Governor Mutfwang increases HIV/AIDS funding, renovates PLACA office complex

By Ezekiel Dontinna

    In a bid to sustain the fight against HIV/AIDS in the State, Governor Caleb Mutfwang, of Plateau State has increased funding for the control of the dreaded virus to achieve the UNAIDS 95-95-95 goal by 2030.
   He has also awarded the contract for the renovation of the Plateau State AIDS Control Agency’s office complex to ensure a more conducive environment for multi-sectoral HIV response efforts.

    The Governor disclosed this Monday, while delivering his speech on the occasion marking 36th World AIDs Day 2024, held the Crest Hotel & Gardens Jos, the State capital.
    Represented by his Deputy, Ngo Josephine Piyo, Mutfwang said, “I am pleased to announce that our administration has significantly increased funding for HIV/AIDS programs this year.

   “These resources are directed toward enhancing prevention services, expanding access to testing and treatment, and providing comprehensive support for individuals living with HIV.    

     “Moreover, we have awarded the contract for the renovation of the Plateau State AIDS Control Agency’s office complex to ensure a more conducive environment for multi-sectoral HIV response efforts”, he disclosed.
    The Plateau State Commissioner of Health, Dr. Cletus Bako Shurkuk, expressed gratitude to Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, for his commitment and passion in providing the enabling environment for them to operate and to change the narrative in the health sector.

     Delivering his keynote address,Prof. Oche O. Agbaji, described the theme for 2024 World AIDS Day: “Take the rights path: My health my right”, domesticated in Plateau state as “Take the rights path to end HIV/AIDS” truly highlighted the critical role of protecting and promoting human rights in the fight against the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
    Meanwhile, the Executive Director, Plateau AIDS Control Agency (PLACA), Mrs Esther Turaki, expressed concern that there were new infections coming up hence the need for them, hence the need to address the issue of stigma and discriminations which were major cause of accessing treatment by people living with HIV.