Following the US government's withdrawal of international funding and donations, the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly said it has made adequate budgetary provisions to support HIV/AIDS intervention programmes in the state.
Chairman, House Committee on Health, Moses Essien, disclosed this during a three-day stakeholders' sensitization and technical meeting in Uyo organized in collaboration with the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA).
Essien who represents Ibiono Ibom State Constituency, stressed the need for routine follow-up and targeted interventions by the Akwa Ibom State Agency for the Control of AIDS (AKSACA) and other stakeholders.
He expressed worry over the recent data showing Akwa Ibom as one of the states with the highest HIV prevalence in Nigeria, after Benue and Rivers, and called for concerted efforts from government and other relevant stakeholders in the state for fight against the virus.
He also called for the adoption of a practical and sustained strategic plan to curb the spread of HIV/AIDS in the state.
Giving update on the anti stigma bill, the lawmaker said the State Assembly had already passed the bill and it is now awaiting Governor Umo Eno’s assent after a judicial review.
He added, “The bill, once signed into law, will prohibit discrimination against people living with HIV in public spaces such as schools, workplaces, markets, and religious institutions.”
He commended AKSACA and NACA for organising the meeting, expressing confidence that continued sensitization would strengthen public resolve and attract more support in tackling the epidemic.
