The Cross River State Agency for the Control of AIDS (CR-SACA) has intensified its advocacy efforts through a partnership with the State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), reinforcing a shared commitment to HIV prevention and drug abuse control in the state.
The Director General of CR-SACA, Dr. Charles Iwara, stated this during a visit to the State Commander of the NDLEA, noting that the engagement forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen inter-agency collaboration aimed at achieving the global target of ending new HIV infections by 2030, while also addressing rising concerns over substance abuse.
Dr. Iwara expressed appreciation to the NDLEA for its participation in the recently concluded National HIV Planning Meeting and extended condolences over the passing of the agency’s former State Commander.
He underscored the importance of strategic planning and evidence-based interventions, particularly for key populations most vulnerable to HIV infection. He also called for stronger collaboration between both agencies in areas such as data sharing, laboratory support for HIV-related services, prevention programming, and coordinated implementation of state and national HIV response strategies.
The CR-SACA Director General commended Governor Bassey Edet Otu and his wife, Bishop Eyoanwan Otu, for their continued support and commitment to public health and social development in the state.
Dr. Iwara described the partnership as a significant step toward a more coordinated and impactful public health response in Cross River, expressing confidence that the collaboration would be robust and far-reaching.
In his response, the State Commander of NDLEA, Commander Anyeyi John, described the advocacy visit as timely and important, noting that both agencies, though operating under different mandates, are working toward a common goal for the benefit of the citizenry.
He emphasized the need for enhanced collaboration in sensitization, training, and regulated data sharing, subject to approval from NDLEA headquarters where necessary. He also highlighted ongoing awareness campaigns by the agency and stressed the importance of joint community engagement.
Commander Anyeyi further proposed the establishment of a rehabilitation centre in Cross River State and urged CR-SACA to formally present the proposal to the Governor and his wife for consideration. He also acknowledged Dr. Iwara as an Ambassador of the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) in recognition of his advocacy efforts.
Speaking earlier, Mrs. Rose Ikani highlighted the importance of HIV prevention among adolescents and young people. She advocated stronger collaboration in data sharing, youth-focused interventions, and community sensitization programmes.
Mrs. Ikani also called for increased engagement with adolescents and young people through school health clubs and cultural platforms such as the Leboku New Yam Festival, where HIV testing and prevention services are often promoted.
She further stressed the need for NDLEA’s involvement in such initiatives to strengthen education on drug abuse prevention, particularly the dangers of injectable drug use and emerging risky practices involving shared syringes among young people.
Both agencies agreed on the need for sustained collaboration in awareness creation, training, and community outreach, with a focus on vulnerable populations across the State.
Asari Eso
