By Charles Akpeji, Jalingo
The Director General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Dr. Temitope Ilori, has expressed concern over the 2.9% HIV prevalence rate in Taraba State, urging all stakeholders to work together to reduce the figure and achieve the 2030 target of ending AIDS.
Speaking in Jalingo during the inauguration of the PMTCT and Paediatric HIV Acceleration Committee, Ilori emphasized the importance of sustained and collaborative efforts to reduce the infection rate to zero.
She called on the state government, development partners, health workers, and the public to redouble their efforts in combating the spread of HIV.
Ilori also addressed reports suggesting that the withdrawal of USAID support had led to difficulty in accessing HIV medications.
She debunked the claims, asserting that antiretroviral drugs remain available and are distributed free of charge nationwide.
Ilori praised the Taraba State Government’s commitment to prioritizing health, noting that it ranks just after education on the administration’s agenda.
Echoing her remarks, the Director General of the Taraba State AIDS Control Agency (TACA), Dr. Ali Bako Istifanus, reaffirmed the agency’s resolve to continue working tirelessly in collaboration with the state government to combat the disease.
He acknowledged Governor Agbu Kefas’ unwavering support for the health sector.
Taraba State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Boma Bundiya, who also chairs the newly inaugurated committee, pledged the committee’s dedication to eliminating HIV in the state.
The commissioner vowed that the committee would leave no stone unturned in the fight against the virus.
Members of the acceleration committee, tasked with ensuring sustained partner engagement and implementation of the HIV response plan, also pledged their commitment to achieving the committee’s goals.
