…as FG sites three oxygen plants in the state
Temitope Ilori, director-general, National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), has lauded Bassey Otu, governor of Cross River State, for his strategic initiatives in combating HIV/AIDS in the state.
Ilori gave the commendation during an interactive meeting with implementing partners, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders held at the Cross River State Agency for the Control of AIDS (CR-SACA) in Calabar.
He 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.
“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,” Ilori said.
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.
She 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 director general disclosed that the World AIDS Day 2025 will focus on sustaining national responses amid disruptions, reinforcing the need for government investment at all levels.
Also speaking on behalf of implementing partners, Uwana, state coordinator, Excellence Community Education Welfare Scheme (ECEWS), acknowledged the supportive environment created by the State, noting their operations in 64 facilities and reaching over 38,000 individuals with treatment.
The director general 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.
