The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has made adequate budgetary provisions to support HIV/AIDS intervention programs in the state.
The move was sequel to the US government’s withdrawal of international funding and donations
Chairman of the House Committee on Health, Moses Essien, made this known during a three-day stakeholders’ sensitization and technical meeting in Uyo.
Essien, who represents the Ibiono Ibom State Constituency, stressed the need for routine follow-up and targeted interventions by the Akwa Ibom State Agency for the Control of AIDS (AKSACA) and other stakeholders.
The lawmaker expressed worry over the recent data showing Akwa Ibom as one of the states with the highest HIV prevalence in Nigeria, after Benue and Rivers.
While calling for concerted efforts from the government and other relevant stakeholders in the state to fight against the virus, Essien also called for the adoption of a practical and sustained strategic plan to curb the spread of HIV/AIDS in the state.
Giving an update on the anti-stigma bill, the lawmaker said the State Assembly had already passed the bill, and it is now awaiting Governor Umo Eno’s assent after a judicial review.
He assured that the bill, once signed into law, will prohibit discrimination against people living with HIV in spaces such as workplaces, markets, schools, and religious institutions.
