CALABAR– The global impact of HIV/ AIDS though dropping in it’s scourge, has affected a lot in the sub-Saharan African region, especially mothers and vulnerable children. This calls for global action from all.
In the light of the above, the Director General of Cross River State Agency for the control of HIV AIDS (SACA), Dr Etcheri Ansa, has called on government and stakeholders in the sector to become more involved in giving care to those living with or are affected by HIV AIDS pandemic.
Dr Ansa made this known in her message as the State joins in marking the WORLD HUMANITARIAN DAY, a day set aside by United Nations to celebrate the helpless around the globe. She noted that with the Covid-19 pandemic, HIV patients are worst hit as lockdown impacted negatively on the program, especially care givers and partners.
“It is true that the entire Humanity needs care, but of even greater importance is care needed for those grossly impacted by the pandemic and are in dire need. We as an institution have thrived during this period and we can be bold to say much care is still needed. What these group of persons need is care, not victimization, not stigmatization. Let us have a zero tolerance for inhumane acts meted on those with HIV positive status.”
“On this occasion, we need more testing, more awareness and more support and commitment.
The society cannot afford to neglect those who truly need Humanitarian Services. Our partners are therefore, encouraged to increase their impact, just as the world is encouraged to get more ‘Humanitarian’ in the face of the dwindling economic fortunes already affecting a great number of PLWHA. Currently, statistics shows a gradual increase in infection rate, with a reduced effort from stakeholders,” she said.
The SACA DG further explained that the rate of infection which was almost near zero percent, has trickled as a result of lack of adequate attention in terms of awareness and funding, and thus, threatening a gradual increase in percentage of those infected.
World Humanitarian Day is celebrated on the 19th of August every year.
