By Jude Onyenedogha
Imo State Government has restated its commitment towards supporting evidence-based interventions that will accelerate progress towards ending HIV as a public health threat.
This commitment was restated by the state Deputy Governor, Lady Dr. Chinyere Ekomaru in her keynote address at the Stakeholders’ Meeting for the Validation and Dissemination of the Imo State HIV/AIDS Strategic Plan (SSP)2025-2027, yesterday, at the Newton Hotel, Owerri.
She commended the Imo State Agency for the Control of AIDS, (IMSACA), the Ministry of Health, development partners and all contributors who invested their expertise and resources in developing the comprehensive Strategic Plan, saying their dedication reflects the shared vision of Imo State government for a state free from the burden of HIV/AIDS.
Lady Ekomaru added that the Strategic Plan aligns with the National HIV/AIDS Strategic Framework and the global commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 3, which seeks to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all.
“As we disseminate this Strategic Plan, I encourage every stakeholder to embrace a shared sense of responsibility. Government alone cannot achieve the desired outcomes. Success will depend on active collaboration among all stakeholders.
“As we advance this roadmap, I call on stakeholders to pay special attention to strengthening prevention strategies, expanding HIV testing services, ensuring uninterrupted access to antiretroviral therapy, protecting vulnerable populations, promoting gender equality and addressing stigma, which continues to hinder access to essential healthcare services.
“As we move from planning to implementation, let us remain united in purpose, accountable in our actions and steadfast in our commitment to safeguarding the health and future of our people”, Lady Ekomaru requested.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Director General, Imo State Agency for the Control of AIDS (IMSACA), Dr. Chidimma Okoro said the event marks another significant milestone in the state’s collective journey towards ending HIV as a public health threat.
She said the State’s Strategic Plan is more than just a policy document, but a shared roadmap for coordinating HIV prevention, treatment, care, support and the protection of the rights of people living with HIV across Imo State.
“This meeting provides us with an opportunity to critically review the document, validate its content and ensure that it truly reflects the realities, priorities and aspirations of our State. The success of this Strategic Plan will depend, not only on the quality of the document, but also on the commitment of every stakeholder to its implementation.
She expressed profound appreciation to the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NAÇA), for its technical and financial support in the development of the Strategic Plan, while also extending the appreciation to all development partners, civil society organizations, implementing partners, and every stakeholder whose contributions made the event possible.
Delivering a goodwill message, Imo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Chioma Vivian Egu described the event as a call to action for; Government, Development partners, Healthcare providers, Civil Society Organisations, Community leaders and the Private sector
Also delivering a goodwill message, the Executive Secretary, Imo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Miss Kosilisochukwu Ekenjoku said her agency recognises the fact that the fight against HIV/AIDS cannot be won in isolation.
She said with the recognition of the fact that primary health facilities are the first point of contact for majority of patients, her agency stands ready to collaborate with Imo SACA in the implementation of the plans geared towards eradicating HIV/AIDS in the state.
Making a remark, on behalf of Imo State Elders Council and the Traditional Institution, the traditional ruler of Isiama Autonomous Community, Isiala Mbano LGA, Eze Oliver Ohanwe promised to relay the message to both the Chairman, Imo State Elders Council and Chairman, Imo State Traditional Institution and Community Policing, so they could mandate their members to disseminate the information to their subjects in the rural areas and implement actions geared towards making Imo HIV/AIDS free.
Highpoint of the event which featured lectures and plenary session was the adoption of the validated Imo State HIV/AIDS Strategic Plan report.
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