ENSG Partners NEPWHAN To Improve Health Outcomes For People Living With HIV
The Enugu State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the fight against HIV/AIDS through strong strategic partnerships, inclusive policies and evidence-based interventions.
The Commissioner for Health, Prof. George Ugwu, said this on Friday when he received executive members of the Network of People Living with HIV and AIDS In Nigeria (NEPWHAN), Enugu State Chapter, on a courtesy visit to his office.
Ugwu noted that the administration of Gov. Peter Mbah places high premium on the health and well-being of every resident, adding: “No one will be left behind in accessing essential healthcare services”.
The commissioner highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the health sector, including the building of Type -2 primary healthcare centres in every ward and expansion of access to quality health services.
“The government has improved disease surveillance systems, healthcare workforce development, and collaboration with development partners to enhance HIV testing, treatment, prevention of mother-to-child transmission, and viral load monitoring,” he said.
He added that the government had been intensifying public health education and community engagement to reduce new HIV infections, while tackling stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV.
Ugwu assured NEPWHAN of the ministry’s continued support and called for sustained collaboration between government, civil society organizations, development partners, and affected communities to accelerate progress toward ending HIV as a public health threat.
“As it stands, collective action, mutual trust, and shared responsibility remain critical to achieving healthier communities and improving the quality of life for people living with HIV across the state,” he said.
Earlier, the State Coordinator of NEPWHAN, Mrs. Lilian Agbo, sought to deepen collaboration with the ministry in combating HIV and mitigating its impact across the state.
Agbo commended the ministry for its sustained efforts in improving access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support services.
She called for closer collaboration with the ministry in advancing community-based interventions, reducing stigma and discrimination, promoting awareness.
“We are here to appeal and ensure that people living with HIV continue to receive quality healthcare and social support,” she said.