..as Ekpang assures of adequate sensitization, advocacy
Stakeholders in the implementation of HIV/AIDS prevention and response in Cross River State have converged in Calabar for a Strategic Plan Development Workshop.
The meeting aimed to review the performance of the 2021-2025 State Strategic Plan with the view to identifying gaps and priorities areas, as well as develop the State's HIV/AIDS response strategic plan for 2025-2027 that will align with the National Strategic Plan with emphasize on a realistic implementation costing.
In his key note address, at the stakeholders' workshop in Calabar, Tuesday , Director General, National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA)Dr. Temitope Ilori , represented by her Deputy Director, Dr. Chukwugozie Uyam, expressed gratitude to the Cross River State Government for their commitment to HIV response activities.
He warned that international funding was no longer available for implementation and emphasized the need for a locally applicable approach that will ensure the development of a sustainable and integrated prevention programme in the State
He maintained that the development of the new strategic plan is crucial in addressing the gaps and priorities in HIV/AIDS prevention and response in Cross River State, averring that the plan's implementation will require effective utilization of locally available funding and resources, as well as a sustained commitment from stakeholders.
While also warning that programme implementation should not be based on data generated by implementation partners or donor agencies, Uyam charged participants to ensure that genuine data that truly reflects current Cross River's status be adopted in the implementation of the programme.
In his welcome address, the Director General, Cross River State Agency for the Control of AIDS (SACA), Dr. Charles Iwara assured the facilitator, National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), of full implementation of the plan once adopted.
Dr. Iwara emphasized that Governor Prince Bassey Otu prioritizes healthcare of his people as demonstrated by adequate budgetary provisions for their healthcare and well-being, adding that the implementation of the programme will surely have the Governor's support with the desired funding.
The DG urged participants to be open-minded and develop a workable strategic plan for sustainable and integrated HIV response activities in the State.
In his good will message, Cross River State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Erasmus Ekpang, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Ntunkae Offiong Ani Offiong, expressed gratitude to Governor Bassey Otu for reactivating the State Action Committee on AIDS (SACA) with Dr. Charles Iwara as its Director General, describing it as a significant step towards combating HIV/AIDS in the State.
She maintained that as part of the State's efforts to prevent HIV, the Ministry of Information will utilize all available information dissemination platforms to sensitize the public and create the desired advocacy for HIV prevention and care in the State.
While lamenting the nonchalant attitude of residents towards HIV/AIDS infection, Ntunkae Offiong warned that the pandemic was still prevalence and expressed their readiness to partner with SACA and its partners to reduce the prevalence rate of HIV in Cross River State to the barest minimum by 2027 through media campaigns.
Some Implementing Partners (IPs) and stakeholders raised concerns about the lack of genuine data in the State for effective and efficient execution of programmes and called on the State Government to introduce a systemic approach to generate accurate and current data on HIV/AIDS response and care for ease implementation of the strategic plan, adding that data is a crucial element in programme implementation.
The review of the 2025 - 2027 Cross River State Strategic Plan was moderated by the NACA Consultant to the State , Hon. Bassey Ibor, who identified some visible gaps in the old plan and highlighted the thematic areas to focus on developing the area one for effective and efficient implementation.
General Manger, Nigerian Television Authority,(NTA) Calabar, Mr. Adekunle Ajibola and other partners in their separate goodwill messages, pledged their support for the successful implementation of the State's Strategic Action Plan.
As the stakeholders in Cross River State work towards developing and implementing the new strategic plan and fully aware of the challenges ahead, experts believe that with a collaborative effort and a commitment to prioritizing healthcare, they are optimistic about making a positive impact in the fight against HIV/AIDS in the State.
By: Nakanda Iyadim
