By Nakanda Iyadim
Director-General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Dr. Temitope Ilori, , has lauded Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu for his strategic initiatives in combating HIV/AIDS in the State.
The DG gave the commendation during an interactive meeting with Implementing Partners, Civil Society Organizations, and other stakeholders held at the Cross River State Agency for the Control of AIDS (CR-SACA) in Calabar.
Dr. Ilori expressed appreciation for the integration of individuals living with HIV/AIDS into the State’s Health Insurance Scheme but emphasized that the local production of ARVs must adhere to proper certification standards.
She stated, “We are pleased with Governor Otu’s relentless efforts in preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS, especially his policy to include people living with AIDS in the Health Insurance Scheme, which provides them a sense of belonging.”
She also acknowledged the contributions of the Governor’s wife , Bishop Eyoanwan Otu and Dr. Charles Iwara, DG of CR-SACA, highlighting their collective impact on infrastructure and response activities.
In response to funding cuts, she disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had approved USD 200 million to maintain service continuity for essential health commodities, adding that with global support, NACA has established an operational 10,000-liter oxygen plant at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital with three other plants sited in Ikom and Ogoja to ensure that the State is fully covered for all forms of emergency situations.
Dr. Ilori also announced plans by the Federal Government to produce ARVs and other essential commodities locally by early 2026, ensuring sustainability in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
The DG disclosed that the World AIDS Day 2025 will focus on sustaining national responses amid disruptions, reinforcing the need for government investment at all levels.
Earlier, in his welcome, the Director-General, Cross River State Agency for the Control of AIDS (CR-SACA), expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for its contributions to mitigate the impact of dwindling funds.
He assured the NACA DG that the Governor Bassey Otu-led administration is working tirelessly to ensure that citizens receive care and treatment, with the goal of eliminating new infections.
While calling on the Federal Government to support the State with commodity provisions, the DG also thanked Implementing Partners (IPs) for their steadfast support and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and Faith-Based Organizations (FBOs) for their partnership and collaboration, which has made Cross River State a safer place in the pursuit of zero new infections by 2030.
Also speaking on behalf of Implementing partners, State Coordinator of the Excellence Community Education Welfare Scheme (ECEWS), Mr. Uwana acknowledged the supportive environment created by the State, noting their operations in 64 facilities and reaching over 38,000 individuals with treatment.
The DG later performed a symbolic inauguration of a condom dispenser unit mounted at the entrance of CR-SACA which is also strategically placed across the metropolis and urged the target population to utilize the free services which she noted is part of effort to prevent the spread of HIV in the State.
