The Cross River State Government said the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is prevalent in the state because of uncontrolled movement of people from Cameroon, Benue, Akwa Ibom, and other neighbouring states.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Henry Egbe Ayuk and the Permanent Secretary of the state’s primary health development agency, Dr Etim Ayi, stated this at a media briefing ahead of the celebration of World AIDS Day in Calabar, the capital.
The commissioner said, “HIV data show that the epicentres of HIV are in local communities next to Cameroon, where people moved into Cross River unchecked. There are such places in neighbouring states like Obaliku LGA which is next to Benue State. There are such places, too, next to Akwa Ibom State and other nearby states.”
He disclosed further that the state has met over 70% of HIV expectations, adding that this is on the average but that they record deaths daily.
He said the state would continue with mass testing and community sensitization.
Dr Etim Ayi called for minimization of the unrestricted infiltrations to avert new HIV cases in the state.
He emphasised the importance of community involvement.
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