....as Government Reassures Citizens of Stronger Health Interventions
The 2025 World AIDS Day commemoration in Enugu State unfolded in grand style on December 1st at the iconic Michael Okpara Square, attracting a large turnout of government officials, health experts, development partners, students, civil society groups, community leaders, and residents from across the state. Organized by the Enugu State Agency for the Control of HIV/AIDS (ENSACA) under the coordination of its Executive Secretary, Dr. Emeh Rita (PT), the event showcased a blend of public health awareness, cultural expressions, school activities, and powerful messages of hope and commitment to ending the AIDS epidemic.
The Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, was represented by the Commissioner for Health, Professor George Ùgwù, while the wife of the governor was represented by the wife of the Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Mrs. Ugwu. Their presence underscored the administration’s whole-of-government approach and the priority the state places on strengthening HIV/AIDS response mechanisms. Delivering the governor’s message, Professor Ùgwù began by acknowledging Dr. Mbah’s unavoidable absence, saying, “His Excellency, the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, planned to be here physically for this very important programme. Unfortunately, due to conflicting and urgent state matters, he could not attend. However, he has asked me to fully represent him, participate actively, and convey his deep commitment to this cause.” He continued by presenting the current HIV situation in the state, explaining, “From the discussions we have held and from the presentations made by our experts today, we can see that Enugu State currently has a prevalence rate of 2.1% among people living with HIV/AIDS. In the South East, the total prevalence value stands at about 2.9%. While these numbers place us on the lower end of the prevalence chart, they still demand strong, consistent, and strategic action.”
Professor Ùgwù went on to reassure Ndi Enugu of the government’s unwavering determination to push these numbers even lower. He stated, “We are getting strong assurances and commitments from the governor. The Government of Enugu State is fully committed to working closely with ENSACA and the State Ministry of Health to bring this prevalence rate down to less than 1% within the shortest possible time. This commitment is not just in words it is backed by action.” He explained that the governor has already strengthened the operational capacity of health agencies to ensure HIV advocacy, prevention, and testing services reach every part of the state. According to him, “That is why you see that His Excellency has provided all the necessary support to our health agencies and ministries to extend HIV advocacy and services to schools, markets, hospitals, churches, motor parks, rural communities, and all corners of Enugu State. We are emphasizing strongly that people should go for testing so they can know their status, receive early care, and live a positive, healthy, and productive life.”
The Commissioner also explained that Governor Mbah has directed the full use of all available intervention tools, saying, “We are applying all the interventions available counselling, testing, ART treatment, viral load suppression, prevention education, and community engagement. The governor has given us his word that everything needed to be done is being done, and he continues to support these efforts with funding, infrastructure, and policy backing.” He emphasized the significance of the massive investment in healthcare infrastructure across the state, noting that more services will be available in both primary and secondary health facilities. “Across our Type II Primary Healthcare Centres and our Secondary Healthcare Centres that are currently being revamped, these essential services testing, counselling, prevention education, and follow-up care will be available continuously. Every ward in Enugu State will have access to these services. This is how we will ramp up care, expand coverage, and bring HIV prevalence down to the lowest possible rate in the state,” he declared.
Recalling the pre-event activities carried out two days before World AIDS Day, Professor Ùgwù said, “Our teams from ENSACA, the Ministry of Health, and our development partners moved round major junctions, markets, and communities in Enugu. We carried out mass sensitisation, counselling, and testing. It was a remarkable effort and part of a larger set of activities put together to mark World AIDS Day 2025.” He concluded by emphasizing the collective nature of the effort: “This is a big team working closely with the Office of the Governor, and together, we are succeeding. World AIDS Day is not just a ceremony; it is a reminder that ending AIDS is a shared responsibility one that we take very seriously in Enugu State.”
The event was attended by several high-ranking officials and community figures, including the Commissioner for Lands, Barr. Chimaobi Patrick Okorie; the Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Barr. Lloyd Ike Ekweremadu; leaders of the Umada Peter Mbah Women Group led by Hon. Peace Patrick; Dr. Nwakego Ajah of ENSUBEB; and Dr. Sunday Okafor, President of the Nigerian Medical Association, Enugu State Chapter. Students representing various secondary schools added vibrancy to the ceremony. The Enugu State Cultural Troupe from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism staged a captivating performance, adding colour and cultural richness to the commemoration.
One of the highlights of the day was the inter-school debate competition involving College of the Immaculate Conception (CIC) Enugu, Anglican Girls Secondary School Awkunanaw, and Queens College Enugu. Students from Metropolitan Girls Secondary School and other institutions also participated as supporters. After a heated intellectual exchange on the topic, “Is Sex Worth Waiting For?” CIC emerged as the winner, drawing applause from the delighted audience. The 2025 World AIDS Day commemoration in Enugu ultimately reaffirmed the state’s resolve to pursue an HIV-free future through sustained political will, community involvement, improved health systems, and continuous public enlightenment. With a clearly defined strategy and renewed momentum, Enugu State is moving with purpose toward reducing HIV prevalence below 1% and ensuring that every resident has access to the care, information, and support needed to live a healthy and fulfilling life.
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