By Joy Umo
The Director General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS, Dr Temitope Ilori, has praised Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu for his strategic efforts in improving the state’s HIV and AIDS response.
Dr Ilori gave the commendation during an interactive session with implementing partners, civil society organisations and other stakeholders at the Cross River State Agency for the Control of AIDS office in Calabar.
She expressed satisfaction with the state government’s decision to integrate people living with HIV into the State Health Insurance Scheme, adding that the move gives affected individuals a sense of security and belonging. She also stressed that local production of antiretroviral drugs must meet proper certification standards.
Dr Ilori acknowledged the notable contributions of the Governor’s wife, Bishop Eyoanwan Otu, and the Director General of CR SACA, Dr Charles Iwara, whose efforts she said have strengthened infrastructure and enhanced the overall HIV response in the state.
Addressing concerns over reduced funding in the health sector, the NACA boss revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved two hundred million United States dollars to sustain essential health commodities. She noted that NACA has already established a ten thousand litre oxygen plant at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, with three additional plants sited in Ikom and Ogoja to ensure full emergency coverage across Cross River State.
She added that the Federal Government plans to begin local production of ARVs and other essential commodities by early 2026 to guarantee long term sustainability in the national HIV response.
Dr Ilori also disclosed that the 2025 World AIDS Day will focus on maintaining strong national responses despite emerging disruptions and will emphasise the need for increased government investment.
Earlier, the Director General of CR SACA thanked the Federal Government for its support and assured that the Otu administration remains committed to ensuring that residents have access to treatment and care, with the goal of eliminating new infections in the state. He appealed for additional support in the provision of commodities and commended implementing partners, civil society groups and faith based organisations for their collaboration, which he said has helped advance the state’s goal of achieving zero new infections by 2030.
Speaking on behalf of implementing partners, the state coordinator of the Excellence Community Education Welfare Scheme, Mr Uwana, appreciated the supportive environment provided by the state government. He said the organisation currently operates in sixty four facilities and has reached more than thirty eight thousand individuals with treatment services.
The NACA Director General later performed the symbolic inauguration of a condom dispenser unit installed at the entrance of CR SACA and across various locations in the metropolis. She urged residents to make use of the free service as part of broader efforts to prevent the spread of HIV in the state.