Cross River Government Ensures Continuous HIV Treatment Amid Global Funding Uncertainty
The Cross River State Government has reassured its residents that HIV treatment and related healthcare services will remain uninterrupted, despite global funding uncertainties that have raised concerns about program sustainability.
Speaking after a strategic meeting with stakeholders in Calabar, State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, urged individuals living with HIV to continue their treatment regimens as usual. He emphasized that the state remains committed to providing essential health services and will not allow external funding challenges to disrupt care.
Dr. Ayuk referenced a waiver granted by the U.S. government following a 90-day suspension of foreign aid, allowing lifesaving antiretroviral treatments to continue. He also cited the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), which confirmed that treatment programs will proceed without disruption.
“Regular engagement with funders, implementing partners, and support groups ensures that we maintain continuous access to HIV care,” he stated. “Adherence to treatment is critical to suppressing viral loads, maintaining patients’ health, and achieving the global goal of eliminating HIV.”
In response to declining donor support, the Cross River State Government has intensified domestic resource mobilization to strengthen primary healthcare, disease control, and HIV intervention programs. Dr. Ayuk reaffirmed the state’s commitment to healthcare accessibility, ensuring that HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria treatments remain priorities.
By taking proactive measures and engaging stakeholders, Cross River State is safeguarding the health and well-being of its people, positioning itself as a model for sustainable public health management.
