In his welcome address, SACA Director General, Dr Charles Iwara, expressed delight at the transformation …
By Nakanda Iyadim and Kingsley Agim
Cross River State has taken a major step in strengthening its HIV/AIDS response with the commissioning of a newly renovated office for the State Agency for the Control of AIDS (SACA) in Calabar, the state capital, giving the agency a permanent home for the first time in its history.
Commissioning the facility on behalf of Governor Bassey Edet Otu, Commissioner for Health, Dr Henry Egbe Ayuk, described the development as a milestone in the State’s decades-long fight against the epidemic.
“For the first time in more than 30 years of HIV/AIDS interventions in Cross River, we now have a government-owned office dedicated to this work,” he further disclosed, adding, “This commissioning is a foundation, an unveiling that proves these services, once thought forgotten, are back and stronger than ever.”
Dr Ayuk emphasised that the project reflects Governor Otu’s commitment to revitalising the health sector and rebuilding confidence among development partners, noting that a permanent office will not only strengthen service delivery but also attract fresh investments into the State’s HIV/AIDS programmes that will translate into the well-being of the citizenry.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Rt Hon Ekpo Ekpo Bassey, applauded the Governor for approving the facility’s upgrade, stressing that the improved work environment will boost staff morale and reassure service users. “A few years ago, this place was an eyesore. Today, it is attractive enough for SACA, its partners, and the people seeking services here. Environment matters; it motivates, enhances performance, and improves productivity,” he stated.
In his welcome address, SACA Director General, Dr Charles Iwara, expressed delight at the transformation, saying, “When I came in, there was no space for us to sit and do our work. Today, we have an office we can proudly call our own. Partners are already reaching out, eager to support us. When people are happy, people are healthy.”
He pledged, on behalf of the staff, to honour the commitment by rededicating themselves to their work by embarking on an aggressive awareness campaign and sensitisation of the populace on the danger of HIV/AIDS.
The commissioning, attended by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr Jonah Offor, alongside other senior officials, also formed part of activities marking the second anniversary of Dr Ayuk as Health Commissioner.