… As Governor Inuwa Yahaya Commissions NACA North East Zonal Office in Gombe

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya earlier commissioned the Northeast Zonal Office of National Agency for the Control of Aids in Gombe.

The NACA zonal office is located at the Federal Low-Cost in Gombe metropolis.

Represented by his Deputy, Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau, the Governor pointed out that the office is to serve the whole of the Northeast sub-region.

Governor Yahaya charged the health professionals to change their language and avoid capitalizing on the negative impression that HIV/AIDS has no cure, saying doing so is tantamount to stigmatization.

He stressed that “presenting a situation that gives no hope for improvement or cure kills the hope of survival of victims, as it also reduces the willingness of many people to approach medical facilities”.

The Governor said his administration has prioritised the health sector in view of its importance as the bedrock of development of every sector, since it is only when citizens enjoy good health that there can be any meaningful development.

“In that spirit” he said, ” the state government has put in place functional health facilities in each of the one hundred and fourteen political wards in the state.

In a remark, the Director General, National Agency for the Control of Aids (NACA) Dr. Garba Aliyu, represented by Emmanuel Chenge, Director Administration and Support Services, NACA , itemized nine-point responsibilities of the zonal office.

The nine points according to him include, providing mentorship and support to State Agency for the Control of Aids (SACAs) in the zones to fulfil their mandates, to provide advocacy, resource mobilization, partnership coordination and muscle power support to SACAs in the zone and to facilitate between the National and State Technical teams among others.

He expressed delight that Gombe State is recording huge success in the prevalence rate of HIV/AIDS compared to neighbouring states.

According to NACA Headquarters, “Gombe State reached ninety-five percent (95%) of test rate of its population, ninety- five percent(95%) of those found positive are on drugs in Gombe State have suppressed their viral load, meaning they cannot infect others though they are positive”.

Earlier, the Northeast Zonal Coordinator of NACA, Dr. Danjuma Garba appreciated the commitment of the state government toward improving health services, and assured that they will work hand in hand to ensure the state becomes first in controlling the spread of the virus.

Goodwill messages came from the representative of Civil Society for HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (CiSHAN) Mr. Bachama Yusuf and the Program Manager, Centre for Integrated Health Program ( CIHP), Mrs Emily Madina.

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