This was contained in a press release by
Ibiam Nnenna Lilian, the Public Relations Officer of the EBOSACA.
According to the release, "the Ebonyi State government is committed to reducing HIV prevalence and improving the quality of life for those living with the virus."
In the release, the Secretary/Program Manager of EBOSACA, Prince Andrew Chibueze Iteshi, stated this when representatives from government agencies, nongovernment groups, and community-based organizations held a meeting in preparation for the commemoration of 2024 World AIDS DAY.
Prince Iteshi said with the theme of World AiDS DAY being "Ending the HIV/AIDS Epidemic: Community by Community," there is a need for us to engage our communities, educate them, and provide support to those affected.
In a call to action, the Executive Secretary emphasized the need for a collective effort from all stakeholders and partners to make this year's World AIDS Day, a resounding success.
According to him, the state is pulling out all the stops to take the top position in the national program, which is being held as a competition among states.
Furthermore, he highlighted some of the activities for the program including sensitization and rallies in all 13 local government areas of the state, free HIV testing and counseling services, a stakeholders engagement Forum/Symposium, and a candlelight memorial service.
Different organizations sent their goodwill messages to Iteshi for his tireless effort since he became the Executive Secretary/Program Manager of the agency in organizing this year's World AIDS DAY event and his tireless efforts to carry the Agency forward.
They pledged their organizations' unwavering support to ensure the commemoration was a huge success.
In attendance at the meeting included the National President of Izzi Nnodo Youth Forum-Dr Andrew Chibueze Elom; President Women Medical Doctors Association of Nigeria, Ebonyi State -Dr. Nwobasi Lilian, Excellent Community Education Welfare Scheme(ECEWS)-Dr. Nwakpa Ezikiel, World Health Organization -Agu Uche, National Fistula Obstritic Center NOFIC-Rev. Dr. Flora Egwu, Network of people with HIV/AIDS(NEPWHAN) -Nwammadu Benedicta, Catholic Caritas Foundation of Nigeria (CCFN)- Nwaelem Ikechukwu, AMURT-Daniel Dubem, UNICEF -Chiamaka, Ministry of Health, Youth and Sports, Education, Executive Directors of Community based Organizations, OBOs, State codinator of Civil Society for HIV/AIDS(CiSHAN)- Fred Oko, representative of Moslem community - Usuman Shauaib .A. and Hon Aliyu Enya Okoche.
