1st December, 2019

World Aids Day: Gombe to scale up access to health services to halt HIV epidemic

As Gombe state joins the rest of the world to mark this year's World Aids Day, today, 1st December, 2019, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has assured that his administration will scale up access to health services to combat the HIV prevalence.

The World AIDS Day is a day set aside by the United Nations, every December 1 to encourage communities to unite against HIV/Aids, show support for people living with the disease, and remember those who have died due to AIDS.

In a goodwill message to commemorate the day, Governor Inuwa Yahaya said his administration remains committed towards optimal control of HIV and achieving the target of ending the epidemic by 2030.

He however said that all stakeholders must remain focused as we approach the finish-line of this important race against HIV and AIDS.

While lauding the theme of this year's commemoration, "communities make the difference", Governor Yahaya remarked that " we must align our activities with our communities in Gombe state and continue to strategically target all Key populations across the state with HIV and AIDS control activities".

He commended the positive impact made so far, urging the stakeholders not relent as the fight against HIV and AIDS is not over until we get to Zero prevalence in Gombe state.

"Today, we also celebrate the drop in HIV prevalence in Gombe State from 3.4% in 2014 to 1.3% in 2019. This great achievement was a result of our collective hard work and commitment; let me appreciate the contributions of our State Government’s HIV/AIDS Coordinating organ, GomSACA. We acknowledge the invaluable contribution of the various communities in the fight against the disease; People Living and affected by HIV and AIDS, donor and implementing partners, Civil society groups, traditional and religious leaders, health workers, the press, and other groups".

Meanwhile, to mark the day, Gombe state has lined up a number of activities, including a road show/ walk which will kick off at the Emir's palace, Gombe by 3:pm today.

Ismaila Uba Misilli
Senior Special Assistant
( Media and Publicity)