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Jalingo, Taraba State – Dr. Temitope Ilori, Director General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), recently concluded a significant visit to Taraba State, engaging with key stakeholders at the Taraba State AIDS Control Agency (TACA) Complex. The visit aimed to assess the progress of HIV/AIDS control efforts in the state and foster stronger collaboration for sustained impact.

The entry meeting, held at the TACA Complex, commenced with a warm welcome from the North East Zonal Coordinator (NEZC). Dr. Garba Danjuma, Director General of TACA, delivered the welcome address, highlighting the remarkable strides Taraba State has made in its HIV response. He attributed this success to the dedicated efforts of all stakeholders, emphasizing the collective commitment to improving the lives of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV).

The meeting served as a crucial debriefing session, providing Dr. Ilori with an overview of ongoing activities in Taraba State and TACA. Discussions focused on identifying areas for continued improvement and strengthening the state’s HIV response.

Goodwill messages from key stakeholders underscored the collaborative spirit driving the progress. Achieving Health Nigeria Initiative (AHNi), the lead implementing partner, reaffirmed its commitment to supporting TACA’s efforts. The representative of the Executive Secretary of the Taraba State Primary Health Care Development Agency (TSPHDA) highlighted the agency’s close partnership with TACA through a functional framework, and noted ongoing renovations and remodeling of 140 Primary Health Centers (PHCs) to bolster service delivery.

The Coordinator of the Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN) emphasized the critical need for high-level advocacy to address the challenges faced by PLHIV in the state. They advocated for state-led support, reducing reliance on implementing partners for program implementation.

A representative of the Executive Secretary of the Health Services Management Board acknowledged the robust coordination and succession planning in the state’s HIV response. While commending the successful integration model, they also noted challenges related to the late release of funds and stressed the importance of government ownership of data management for sustainability.

A key takeaway from the meeting was the imperative for stronger collaboration among all government stakeholders to fulfill the multisectoral response mandate.

Dr. Ilori commended the exemplary efforts of all stakeholders in Taraba State, acknowledging their excellent coordination and integration. She emphasized the necessity of a broader, multisectoral approach to HIV, involving non-health sectors. Dr. Ilori stressed that sustained advocacy will be vital for resource mobilization, ensuring sustainability, and maintaining an uninterrupted supply of HIV commodities.

The Chairman of the TACA Board delivered the vote of thanks, reiterating the Board’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of PLHIV in Taraba State. This visit signifies a renewed dedication to collaborative efforts aimed at achieving an AIDS-free Taraba State.