48% drop in HIV prevalence in Gombe excites Gov. Yahaya

Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has been celebrating 48 per cent drop in HIV prevalence in the state. The reduction was recorded between 2014 and 2021. To commemorate this year's World Aids Day, Gov. Yahaya said his administration remained committed to the optimal control of the infection. He said they celebrate the drop in HIV prevalence in Gombe State from 2.5 per cent in 2014 to 1.2 per cent in 2021. In a statement issued by Ismaila Uba-Misilli, the Director-General, Press Affairs, to the governor, Yahaya said the state had made tremendous progress in the prevention, treatment and care of persons affected or infected by HIV. He said the reduction recorded in the state resulted from collective efforts between government, development partners, the UN systems, the Global Fund and Civil Society Organisations.

The governor said, however, that in spite of the remarkable successes recorded, there are still gaps that must be filled in order to get to the last mile. They could only achieve this if we continue to work as a team. Let's remain focused as we approach the finish-line of this important race against HIV and AIDS. There must be deliberate efforts to move faster on a set of concrete actions agreed by UN member states to address the inequalities that are driving HIV. Gov. Yahaya noted that AIDS remained a pandemic and that progress made in HIV prevention and treatment services was now under greater strain in view of the COVID-19 crisis. On the issue of HIV testing, Yahaya said they have recently released funds for the procurement of HIV testing kits to enable testing of more than 200,000 people.

While appreciating efforts in the fight against HIV and AIDS, the governor urged stakeholders not to relax as the fight against HIV and AIDS is not over until they get to zero prevalence in Gombe. He said every minute that passes, precious life is lost to AIDS. There is no time. They shall continue to strategically target all key populations across Gombe State with HIV and AIDS control activities. The theme of this year's World AIDS Day is: "End inequalities. End AIDS.''