World AIDS Day: Gov. Buni pledges to eradicate HIV/AIDS in Yobe
Story by Ibraheem EL-TAFSEER, Damaturu
The Executive Governor of Yobe State, Honourable Mai Mala Buni, CON, has pledged to eliminate HIV/AIDS in the state.
The governor stated this on Monday during the 2024 World Aids Day commemoration at the WAWA Hall Government House Damaturu.
In a statement issued by Hussaini Mai Suleh, Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor of Yobe State, the governor, who was represented by his Deputy Alhaji Idi Barde Gubana (Wazirin Fune), commended the global AIDS community for coming up with this year’s theme: “Take the Rights Path: Sustain HIV Response and Stop HIV among Children in Nigeria by 2030”
He said it would give additional impetus towards achieving universal healthcare coverage for all Yobeans.
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He further explained that the state government has provided one primary healthcare clinic in each of the 178 electoral wards in the state.
Governor Buni also noted that the government has upgraded hospitals and constructed new facilities equipped with modern mechanisms to cope with increasing demands for better healthcare services especially in the referral centres.
Governor Buni assured the victims of HIV and AIDS that the present administration would not relent in providing succour to them.
The government has improved its strategies for mother-to-child transmission of HIV and AIDS by conducting tests for all pregnant women at all health facilities across the state.
He said the state government would continue to strengthen the capacity of the local government healthcare department and ensure they have resources and support to implement effective HIV programmes.
In his keynote address, the Commissioner Ministry of Health and Resources, Dr Mohammad Lawan Gana, emphasised the significance of the day to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and end discrimination and stigma of HIV/AIDS victims in communities.
The executive director of the State Agency for the Control of HIV and AIDS, Dr Jibrin Adamu Damazai, said that the day is set aside for the annual commemoration of HIV/AIDS across the world to honour people living with, and affected by HIV/AIDS and to remember those who lost their lives to the disease.
He said over the years, World AIDS Day has evolved into a platform not only for reflection and remembrance but also for advocacy, renewed commitment and a collective call to action.
In their separate goodwill messages, the AHNI state team lead, Abdulhamid Bagara, and Christian Macaulay of UNFPA said they have made significant progress in sustaining the HIV response.
This year’s commemoration marks the 36th World AIDS Day in the world.
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