Cross River Calls for Renewed HIV Awareness Among Gen Z Amid Funding Uncertainty
The Cross River State Technical Working Group on HIV has raised concerns over the low level of awareness about HIV among young people, particularly those born in the past two decades.
Chairman of the Working Group, Macphelane Ejah, highlighted the issue during an interview in Calabar, emphasizing that reduced sensitization efforts over the years have contributed to increased high-risk behaviors among youths. He referenced a recent survey that revealed many young people are reaching sexual maturity without sufficient knowledge of HIV prevention.
The concerns come amid the recent suspension of HIV funding by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), following an executive order by former U.S. President Donald Trump that halted funding for 90 days. Ejah warned that the funding cut could further hinder HIV awareness programs and life-saving interventions in Cross River.
He stressed that Cross River faces a unique challenge due to its proximity to states with high HIV prevalence, such as Benue and Akwa Ibom, as well as cross-border activities with Cameroon. He called on the government to prioritize the local production of antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) to ensure continued treatment for those affected.
Ejah also emphasized that while Cross River has the necessary human resources to tackle HIV, insufficient funding remains a significant barrier. He urged both state and federal authorities to increase support for the State Agency for the Control of AIDS (SACA), which has been working closely with civil society organizations to address the crisis.
With two percent of Nigeria’s population currently infected with HIV, Ejah stressed that prevention and behavioral change should be the focus of future funding. He called for a reinvigorated public awareness campaign to protect the remaining 98% of the population from new infections, ensuring that Cross River and Nigeria at large remain on the path to HIV reduction and control.
