CALABAR– With the Cross River State HIV/AIDS prevalence rate pegged at 2%, the Director General of the State Agency for the Control of Aids (SACA), Dr. Etcheri Ansa has vowed to do her best with the support of the State Government and Partners to ensure the prevalence rate is reduced to Zero.
The SACA Boss made this known when she played host to the CEO, Heartland Alliance, one of the major partners Dr. Bartholomew B. Ochnonye and his team who were on a courtesy visit to present and discuss their work plan for the year.
“It’s my pleasure to have you Dr. Bartholomew B. Ochnonye in our dear State. On behalf of His Excellency Sen Prof Ben Ayade, the digital and health pro Governor of CRS i welcome you back to the State as we remain open and committed to working with you.
“As a result of your support and that of other Partners, we as a State have an HIV/AIDS prevalence rate of 2% with a target of attaining Zero prevalence rate which we know is achievable through your support and that of other Partners.
“We have challenges that we’ll like you to help the State in addressing and a few of such challenges includes; Creating of at least one HIV/AIDS Hub in all the LGAs, Validation of data timely/promptly, Encouraging of patients follow up, poor communication network especially in the hard to reach areas, and many others.
“As a State through the numerous support of our amiable Governor, Sen. Prof Ben Ayade, we’ve been able to provide some necessary solutions even though we need more of this support if we must achieve the Zero prevalence rate.” she reteraites
Reacting, the CEO of Heartland Alliance Dr. Bartholomew B. Ochnonye Assured the DG, SACA that his organization will step in immediately to see how they can address such issues.
“Like you know, the purpose of our visit is to discuss our Work Plan with you to enable us foster a positive outcome for the State to enable us bring down the prevalence rate from 2% to Zero as soon as possible.
“I want to also use this medium to applaud you for the great transformation you’ve recorded from the short period you’ve been heading this Agency and we foresee a greater CR-SACA before the end of your administration and we’ll continue to partner with you to ensure we achieve this.” Dr. bartholomew said
