Cross River Assures HIV Patients of Steady Care, Distributes Thousands of Condoms at Leboku Festival

By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News

The Director General of the Cross River State Agency for the Control of AIDS (CR-SACA), Dr Charles Iwara, has reassured individuals living with HIV/AIDS that the state government has put adequate measures in place to sustain their healthcare needs despite donor funding cuts.

Speaking at the CR-SACA service stand during the 2025 Leboku International New Yam Festival at Yakurr Peace Stadium in Ugep, Dr Iwara revealed that over 5,000 male condoms and 500 female condoms were distributed free of charge to festival attendees as part of the agency’s awareness campaign.

He noted that Governor Senator Bassey Edet Otu has gone beyond enrolling patients in the State Health Insurance Scheme, adding that efforts are underway to partner with an indigenous pharmaceutical company to commence local production of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs.

“After funding cuts from major donor partners, especially USAID, many living with HIV feared for their lives. However, I want to assure them that His Excellency, Senator Bassey Otu, is committed to ensuring they continue to receive adequate care and unhindered access to treatment,” Dr Iwara said.

The DG expressed delight over the strong turnout for HIV testing and counselling sessions at the event, stressing that the willingness of attendees to embrace safe sex practices and preventive methods was a sign of growing social behaviour change.

Programme Prevention Officer at CR-SACA, Ms Rose Ekum, also described the response from festival-goers as overwhelming, stating that all the testing kits and condoms brought for the outreach were fully utilised. “We are pleased because this will significantly help reduce HIV and STI transmission in Ugep and its environs,” she added.

The medical team, comprising CR-SACA and LACA personnel, conducted screenings for HIV, hepatitis, and X-rays, with many community members expressing gratitude for the free services. Some attendees shared personal experiences, underscoring the importance of regular health checks and the need to fight stigma associated with HIV/AIDS.

With a current prevalence rate of 1.8 per cent in Cross River, community engagement remains central to CR-SACA’s strategy. Dr Iwara emphasised that the agency will continue to use every opportunity, including cultural gatherings like the Leboku festival, to drive awareness and improve access to healthcare.

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