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The National Agency for the Control o f  A I D S ,   ( N A C A ) ,   said  it is determined to  wipe out  HIV  and AIDS  in Taraba  State,  despite  the COVID–19.

The Director General of the  Agency, Dr Gambo G. Aliyu, stated  this in Jalingo, the capital of Taraba Stata, during an official visit. He expressed his desire to keep up the fight to rid the HIV pandemic despite the threats  posed by the COVID–19 pandemic and the global attention it is receiving.

Dr Gambo said, ”our presence here marks the beginning of a new partnership in the fight against HIV and AIDS in Taraba State specifically and Nigeria as a whole. With the structure you have already put on ground, we have confidence that we can fight HIV to the finish.”

The NACA helmsman insisted that it is time to put sustainable efforts to consolidate on the gains Nigeria has made in depleting the prevalence of the pandemic. He noted it is imperative to  rid HIV  and  AIDS–related stigmatisation to enable all who need care to access services without hindrances.

HE reiterated  the need to work with the Government of the state to identify all who are HIV-positive persons, link them to care to ensure they not only live healthy lives but do not infect others.

The Taraba State  Governor, Mr Darius, assured NACA of his cooperation, adding he will give the programme utmost attention so that the state is free from HIV Virus.

H e  ex p re sse d  ex c i tem e n t  a b o u t  t h e significant drop in the prevalence rate of the  virus significantly, as  shown by  the results of the 2018 NAIIS survey. He stated that the discrimination against those living with the virus has equally reduced because of sustained sensitisation.

The governor, however, noted with concern the  problem of insecurity, which he said was his major worry. He assured that the state is doing all it can to tackle the menace.