Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has assured his administration will scale up access to health services to combat the HIV/AIDS prevalence in the state as the state joins the rest of the World to mark this year’s World Aids Day.
In a goodwill message to commemorate the Day, Inuwa Yahaya said that his administration remains committed towards optimal control of HIV/AIDS and achieving the target of ending the epidemic by 2030.
He, however, said that “all the stakeholders, particularly in the health sector, must remain focused as we approached the finish line of this important race against HIV and AIDS”.
While lauding the theme of this year’s commemoration which is, “Communities make the Difference”, the Governor remarked that “We must align our activities with our communities in Gombe state and continue to strategically target all key populations across the state with HIV and AIDS control activities”.
He commended the positive impact made so far, urging the stakeholders not to relent as the fight against HIV and AIDS is not over yet until “we get to Zero prevalence in Gombe state”.
“Today, we also celebrate the drop in HIV/AIDS prevalence in Gombe State from 3.4% in 2014 to 1.3% in 2019. This great achievement was a result of our collective hard work and commitment; let me appreciate the contributions of our State Government’s HIV/AIDS Coordinating organ, GomSACA”, the Governor stated.
He further said that “We acknowledge the invaluable contribution of the various communities in the fight against the disease; People Living and affected by HIV and AIDS, donor and implementing partners, Civil society groups, traditional and religious leaders, health workers, the press, and other groups”.
To mark the day, Gombe state has lined up a number of activities, including a roadshow/ walk which will kick off at the Emir’s palace, Gombe by 3:pm today.
The World AIDS Day is a day set aside by the United Nations, every December 1 to encourage communities to unite against HIV/Aids, show support for people living with the disease, and remember those who have died due to AIDS as contained in a statement by Ismaila Uba Misilli, Senior Special Assistant, Media and Publicity to the Governor.
By Ishola Michael,
Nigeria Tribune