The Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has pledged improved support for the fight against HIV/AIDS.
He however urged residents of the state to continue to live responsibly and to always present themselves for routine test to know their status.
In a statement commemorating the World AIDS Day, and signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, the Governor said the administration will continue to fund necessary interventions to support people living with the virus while strengthening the local campaign to curb the spread in the state.
“As we commemorate the World HIV/AIDS Day, I urge residents of our state to avoid stigmatising persons living with the virus. All they need is our support, understanding, and care. Similarly, I appeal to everyone to live responsibly, observe personal hygiene, practice abstinence, and avoid unsafe sex. On our part, we will continue to support the campaign, as is the obligation of every government, as well as boost capacity of our health workers to diagnose and manage the virus,” the Governor said.
Low prevalence rate
According to him, the government is proud of the progress it has recorded so far by achieving very low prevalence of 1%, compared to the national prevalence of 1.4%.
“Reducing the local prevalence of HIV/AIDS from 1.8% in 2019 to the current 1% is one of our major milestones in the basic healthcare sector,” the statement added.
The governor therefore commended the Ministry of Health and especially the Kwara State AIDS Control Agency for their tireless efforts in achieving the feat and called for more efforts to achieve a lot more.
Nneka Ukachukwu
