Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya ( Dan Majen Gombe) says his administration remains committed towards optimal control of HIV and AIDS, just as he noted tremendous progress in the prevention, treatment and care of persons affected or infected by HIV in Gombe State.
The Governor stated this in a message to mark the 2021 World aids day today, 1st December.
He described as apt, the theme of this year’s commemoratiion, "End Inequalities, End AIDS" which highlighs the fact that as much as the virus itself, the social stigma attached with it also greatly affects people.
Governor Inuwa noted that there must be deliberate efforts to move faster on a set of concrete actions agreed by United Nations Member States to address the inequalities that are driving HIV.
"AIDS remains a pandemic, the red light is flashing and only by moving fast to end the inequalities that drive the pandemic can we overcome it. Progress in AIDS, which was already off track, is now under even greater strain as the COVID-19 crisis continues to rage, disrupting HIV prevention and treatment services, schooling, violence prevention programmes and more".
He said, "Today, we also celebrate the drop in HIV prevalence in Gombe State from 2.5% in 2014 to 1.2% in 2021. This great achievement was a result of our collective hard work and commitment and due largely to the leadership of the State Government in partnership with local government institutions; development partners, the UN systems, Global Fund, civil society organizations and others".
The Governor however said, despite the remarkable successes recorded there are still gaps that must be filled in order to get to the last mile, saying "We can only achieve this if we continue to work as a team. Let’s remain focused as we approach the finish-line of this important race against HIV and AIDS".
"We have recently released funds for the procurement of HIV testing kits to enable testing of over 200,000 people across the state.
"let me appreciate the contributions of our State Government’s HIV/AIDS Coordinating organ (GomSACA), our Implementing Partners; the State STI/AIDS Control Programme (SASCP), the Primary Health Care Development Agency (PHCDA), Center for integrated Health Programme, Network of People Living With HIV and AIDS (NEPWHAN), UNICEF, Society for Family Health (SFH) and our numerous CBOs. We remain grateful for the positive impact you have made so far".
"Let’s not relax for the fight against HIV and AIDS is not over until we get to Zero prevalence in Gombe State. The 2021 World AIDS Day theme is “END INEQUALITIES. END AIDS. END PANDEMICS”. We must align our activities with our communities in Gombe State".
"Every minute that passes, we are losing a precious life to AIDS. We don’t have time.We must continue to strategically target all Key populations across communities in Gombe State with HIV and AIDS Control activities".
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