HIV/AIDS: Taraba, USAID partners to curb spread

The Taraba State Government in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development through the Reaching Impact Saturation and Epidemic Control has signed a memorandum of understanding to curb the spread of HIV among the population in the state.

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This is contained in a statement by the Public Relations Officer of the Ministry of Health, Grace Eki on Thursday and made available to journalists in Jalingo.

The statement noted that the project which will be implemented by Jhpiego, a nonprofit organisation for international health and other consortium partners is a significant milestone in the state’s commitment to combating HIV/AIDS and achieving epidemic control of the virus by the close of 2025.

The statement quoted the Commissioner of Health, Bordiya Buma as saying, “The primary focus of this partnership is to establish a resilient healthcare system, empower local healthcare partners, and improve the quality of life for individuals affected by HIV.

“We are committed to ensuring that every individual living with HIV in Taraba State receives the care, support, and treatment they rightfully deserve by the close of 2025.

“This partnership with USAID/RISE underscores our dedication to enhancing the health and well-being of our communities. With this strategic collaboration, Taraba State will utilise its human resources to spearhead the technical implementation of key activities in Ardo Kola, Donga, and Bali local government areas.

“Through the combined efforts of government officials, partners, and the private sector, we are paving the way for a healthier, brighter future for Taraba State.

“I am happy to announce that we are progressing towards a future where HIV/AIDS no longer poses a threat to our communities,” he said.

The statement added that the technical support, including data management, consumables, commodities, and other supplies, will be provided by USAID/RISE, and the initiative will be further expanded to other local government areas in the state.

According to the World Health Organisaton, since the beginning of the epidemic, 85.6 million [65.0–113.0 million] people have been infected with HIV and about 40.4 million [32.9–51.3 million] people have died of HIV.

The data showed that globally, 39.0 million [33.1–45.7 million] people were living with HIV at the end of 2022.

PUNCH/Wumi