Kwara to make state free of HIV/AIDS by 2030

The Kwara state government yesterday said it is committed to make the state free of HIV/AIDS by 2030.

The state government added that it released a sum of N34 million to the Kwara state AIDS Control Agency (KWASACA) in the second quarter of this year for the procurement of kits and other consumables.

Addressing reporters in Ilorin, the state capital to mark this year’s World AIDS day, Kwara state Deputy Governor Peter Kisira said that “we have identified the need to invest more on research and factor in certain peculiarities, as we are a border state on several fronts, having many local and international boundaries, the need to scale up access to HIV services in this area can not be over emphasised. We plan on leveraging on research and proven scientific methods to mitigate the spread of the virus among our people.

“We have, as a state government been relentlessly combating the scourge of HIV infection among the population. A lot of efforts and resources have been put into the fight. We however, acknowledge that a lot still needs to be done. With the recent change in the algorithm in HIV/AIDS management, this creates a wide gap in what is obtainable and what needs to be done in HIV response in the state.

“It is undeniable that the challenge ahead of us cannot be undermined, but with our government’s commitment, human capital resources and partner support, we would achieve desired result.”

In a remark, Health Commissioner Atolagbe Alege said that the state government is providing enabling environment for non governmental organisations to support the activities of KWASACA.

Shedding on measures being put in place to actualise the free Kwara from 2030, Project Manager, KWASACA Dr Seleem Alabi said out of the 912 facilities in the state 216 are rendering HIV/AIDS health
services.

Dr Alabi added that “we have HIV/AIDS control committes in all the 16 local government areas of the state. We are also interfacing with the state Ministry of Education for the sensitisation and awareness campaigns in our secondary schools. We hope to extend same to the primary schools. We are also looking at partnering with the state House of Assembly.”