By Archibong Jeremiah
“Human Immune Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, HIV/AIDS is no more a deadly disease but still a chronic pandemic that can be managed”.
This assertion was made by the Cross River State Governor, Senator Liyel Imoke while speaking at the world HIV/AIDS day marked today 1st of December 2014 in Calabar with the theme ‘Close the Gap’.
He disclosed that some years ago the state government as part of its strides passed the anti stigmatization law which prohibits anyone positive from being stigmatized or discriminated against, assuring that “We will enforce it at all cost”.
Senator Liyel Imoke enjoined all to know their status and accept their fate reiterating that it’s not just the state government that has the duty to salvage the situation but all and sundry.
The state governor represented by his deputy, Mr. Efiok Cobham asserted that the figure for prevalence rate is still high, maintaining that “The theme for this years celebration is most suited”.
The event began with a road walk from the Calabar Millennium Park through Mary Slessor into Marian road ending at the Calabar Municipal council ground.
Speaking to CrossRiverWatch, Miss. Ndifreke Usangha who is the Vice President, Association for AIDS and Reproductive Program, AARP University of Calabar, UNICAL, said as an individual and organization, part of the benefit of the event is to ensure that stigmatization and other ill treatments targeted at carriers is stopped and to see the public develop a positive attitude that will encourage HIV positive people lead normal lives.