Dr. Temitope Ilori, the Director General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), has voiced concern about Taraba State’s 2.9% HIV prevalence rate and called for increased and coordinated measures to stop the virus’s spread and achieve the 2030 goal of eradicating AIDS.
During the launch of the Paediatric HIV Acceleration Committee (PPAC) and Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) on Tuesday in Jalingo, Ilori gave the remarks.
She stated that everyone must work together and take consistent action, including the state government, development partners, medical professionals, and community members.
She said “The Director General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Dr. Temitope Ilori, has expressed concern over the 2.9% HIV prevalence rate in Taraba State, calling for intensified and united efforts to curb the spread of the virus and meet the 2030 goal of ending AIDS.
Ilori made the remarks on Tuesday in Jalingo during the inauguration of the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) and Paediatric HIV Acceleration Committee (PPAC).
She emphasized the need for collaborative and sustained action from all sectors, including the state government, development partners, health workers and community members.
In response to recent concerns regarding HIV medicine accessibility, Ilori denied claims that the termination of USAID assistance was related to a purported antiretroviral pill shortage. She reassured the people that the drugs will continue to be widely accessible across the country.
She also praised the Taraba State government for its dedication to healthcare, pointing out that it is the administration’s second-highest priority after education.
In his remarks at the same event, Dr. Bako Ali Istifanus, Director General of the Taraba State AIDS Control Agency (TACA) called the committee’s formation a “historic moment” in the state’s fight against HIV/AIDS.
He stressed the need to protect women and children, whom he described as the most vulnerable groups affected by the epidemic.
Istifanus acknowledged the advancements over the years, but pointed out that there are still issues, especially with PMTCT and HIV care for children.
He defined the recently established PPAC as a strategic endeavor to improve the state’s coordination, advocacy, and provision of high-quality healthcare.
Additionally, Istifanus commended Ilori for her leadership at NACA, which he claimed had a real impact on state-level HIV response initiatives.
He reiterated Taraba State’s unwavering dedication to the committee’s accomplishment, promising assistance in preventing any kid from being born with HIV and no woman dying from AIDS-related reasons.
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