The Commissioner for Health in Cross River State, Dr Henry Ayuk, has stated that HIV is most prevalent in borderline communities in Nigeria.
The commissioner asserted this in his office on Thursday, ahead of Friday’s World AIDS Day celebration.
He attributed the HIV prevalence in Cross River State to unchecked infiltrations of citizens from Cameroon, Akwa Ibom, Benue, and other neighbouring states.
According to him: “HIV data show that the epicentres of HIV are in local communities next to Cameroon, where there are pockets of unchecked movements into Cross River State. There are such places in neighbouring states, like in Obaliku LGA, which is next to Benue State. There are such places, too, next to Akwa Ibom State and other nearby states.
“HIV prevalence in the state, which has reduced from 12 per cent to two per cent, is mostly in borderline communities.”
Dr Ayuk asserted that Cross River has met over 70 per cent of HIV expectations, adding that this is on average even though they record deaths daily.
He said that mass sensitisation testing and community sensitisation will continue during World AIDS Day, themed “Communities Leadership To End AIDS By 2030.”
Buttressing the commissioner, the permanent secretary of the state primary health development agency, Dr Etim Ayi, called for the minimisation of unrestricted infiltrations to avert new HIV cases in the state.
He emphasised the importance of community involvement, saying this is very necessary.
The acting chairman of the State Action Committee Against AIDS (SACA), Dr Paul Odey, said they need all amounts of support from leaders, communities, faith-based organisations, and stakeholders to stem the tide of HIV.