Calabar – The commencement of the 2023 Carnival in Cross River state also marked the launch of a concerted effort to combat HIV/AIDS, as expressed by prominent leaders during the HIV/AIDS walk in Calabar. Wife of the Governor of Cross River state, Rev. Eyoanwan Otu, and the state’s Commissioner for Health, Dr Egbe Ayuk, delivered messages highlighting the importance of community leadership and targeted intervention in specific local governments.
Rev. Otu, addressing the gathering, conveyed her gratitude and hope as the state commemorated World AIDS Day 2023. She emphasized the shared responsibility embedded in this year’s theme, “Community’s Leadership to End AIDS by 2030,” stressing the crucial role communities play in the fight against AIDS. Otu, committed to leveraging resources and influence, urged citizens to join hands in creating an AIDS-free generation for Cross River state.
“As the wife of the governor of Cross River state, I am committed to leveraging our resources and influence to intensify the fight against AIDS. Let us be the leaders our communities need,” Otu declared.
Cross River state Commissioner for Health, Dr Egbe Ayuk, addressed the challenges faced by certain local governments, namely Yala, Obanliku, and the Calabar area. Despite the state not being among the first 6 states with high prevalence, Ayuk stressed the need to refocus attention and resources on these key areas.
“We need to ensure communities in these 3 or 4 LGs are in the forefront of ensuring that population transmigration is regulated as far as possible,” Ayuk emphasized.
The statements were made during The HIV/AIDS walk, which marks the beginning of the 32 days of non-stop activities for the 2023 Carnival, themed “Season of Sweetness.”
