By: Nakanda Iyadim
Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has inaugurated a Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Task Team focused on HIV and Tuberculosis (TB), emphasizing the importance of justice for all.
While affirming that the initiative aligns with his administration's "People First" mantra, prioritizing the well-being and healthcare of citizens, Otu underscored the importance of a collaborative approach in tackling the intertwined issues of HIV, tuberculosis, and gender-based violence.
Otu who was represented by the Director General, Cross River State Agency for the Control of AIDS,(CR-SACA) Dr. Charles Iwara, stated this at the inauguration ceremony and quarterly meeting of the State's HIV, Tuberculosis and Human Rights Response Committee in Calabar, weekend, highlighting that the health challenges not only affect individuals but also have a broader impact on families and communities.
He urged the newly inaugurated Chairperson, Mr. Edmond Okah and his team members to engage with various stakeholders, including healthcare providers, community leaders, and civil society organizations, to create a robust framework for addressing these pressing issues.
Dr. Iwara, pointed out that the fight against HIV and tuberculosis is not just a health issue but also a matter of social justice, emphasizing that marginalized groups, particularly women and children, often bear the brunt of these health crises.
He called for a concerted effort to empower these vulnerable populations through education and access to healthcare services, ensuring that they are not left behind in the State's response to these diseases.
While also emphasizing the importance of holding perpetrators of gender-based violence accountable, he stated that a society that tolerates such acts cannot thrive.
According to him, "the committee, led by Mr. Edmond Okah, is expected to implement strategic initiatives aimed at raising awareness about HIV and tuberculosis, as well as advocating for the rights of individuals affected by these diseases and expressed confidence in the team's ability to foster an environment where individuals can seek treatment without fear of discrimination or stigma.
"Healthcare is a fundamental human right, and everyone deserves access to the necessary services to lead healthy lives.
"The inauguration of the State's Response Team comes at a critical time when the prevalence of HIV and tuberculosis remains a significant public health concern in Cross River State.
'In addition to health education, the committee will also work on strengthening legal frameworks to protect the rights of individuals affected by HIV and tuberculosis.
"The team is equally tasked with developing policies that not only address the medical aspects of these diseases but also the socio-cultural factors that contribute to their spread.
On his part, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Egbe Ayuk, expressed concern over the high level of gender-based violence, even among the educated class, and called for adequate action to address the situation.
He emphasized the need for collective efforts to promote the general well-being of every woman in the State, adding that the initiative aims to ensure everyone has unhindered access to healthcare, aligning with Governor Otu's administration mantra of "People First".
In their unanimous and very strong voice meted in unity to Combat Gender-Based Violence in the State, stakeholders including United Nations development and implementation partners as well as the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), pledged to collaborate with CR-SACA to eliminate gender-based violence in the state.
In his response, the Chairperson, HIV, TB Gender and Human Rights Response Team, Mr. Edmond Okah, expressed honor in being appointed to serve and promised his team's readiness to strengthen collaboration with relevant stakeholders to reverse the trend of gender-based violence with particular focused on HIV/AIDS related issues in the State.
Mr. Okah stressed for the need to share data among lined Ministries Development and Agencies and implementing partners and promised to enshrine outreach programmes aimed at educating the public about HIV and tuberculosis in their work plan to dispell myths, and reducing stigma, fostering open conversations about these health issues.
"The team hopes to create a more informed and supportive community that encourages individuals to seek testing and treatment without fear of judgment," he added.
The Inauguration of the HIV, Tuberculosis Gender and Human Rights State's Response Team marks a significant step forward in Cross River State's commitment to public health and human rights.
Experts believe that with strong leadership and a clear mandate, the team will make a meaningful impact in the fight against these diseases, ultimately contributing to a healthier and more equitable society for all.
