Calabar– Dr. Egbe Ayuk, the Commissioner for Health in Cross River State, has called upon International Donors and development partners to bolster the State Government’s efforts by implementing more comprehensive health programmes aimed at providing efficient services to key populations at high risk of HIV/AIDS infection NEGROIDHAVEN can report.
Dr. Ayuk made this appeal during a recent meeting with a team from Heartland Alliance, a partner organisation dedicated to advancing health and human rights among key populations affected by HIV.
In his interaction with the visiting team, Dr. Ayuk expressed gratitude to all partners who have contributed to the fight against HIV/AIDS in Cross River state, which has led to a significant reduction in the prevalence rate.
The Commissioner stressed the importance of more robust interventions, particularly for key populations and individuals with limited access to healthcare. He emphasised the need for comprehensive services coupled with behaviour change strategies to mitigate harm and crime rates within these key populations. Dr. Ayuk highlighted the state’s commitment to providing a supportive environment for such interventions, underscoring the existence of a law against stigmatisation and discrimination which will be fully enforced.
Addressing concerns raised by Heartland Alliance’s Programme Assistant, Ndarake Usang, regarding the recurrent arrests of key populations by security agencies, the Commissioner assured the team that necessary steps would be taken to address their grievances and create a conducive working environment.
Heartland Alliance specialises in offering comprehensive HIV/AIDS services to key populations, including female sex workers, men who have sex with men, and people who inject drugs, among others.
