By Joseph Adama, PRO, KSPHCDA
The Kogi State Primary Health Care Development Agency (KSPHCDA) has pledged to strengthen its partnership with the Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in the state to improve HIV prevention, testing, treatment and support services.
The Executive Director of the Agency, Dr. Muazu Omeiza Musa, gave the assurance when he received members of the Network, led by its State Coordinator, Jimoh Audu, on an advocacy visit to his office.
Dr. Musa commended the Network for its sustained advocacy and commitment to the welfare, inclusion and wellbeing of people living with HIV/AIDS, describing its role as critical to the collective effort to build a healthier society.
He said the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo remains committed to strengthening the health sector and expanding access to quality healthcare, irrespective of residents’ health status or social background.
According to him, effective collaboration among government institutions, civil society organisations and community-based groups remains essential to addressing public health challenges and ensuring that vulnerable populations are not left behind.
The Executive Director assured the delegation of the Agency’s readiness to establish a productive working relationship with the Network and urged its members to intensify public enlightenment and community engagement.
He identified HIV testing, early detection, treatment adherence and the elimination of stigma and discrimination as critical areas requiring sustained advocacy and collective action.
Earlier, the State Coordinator of the Network, Jimoh Audu, said the visit was aimed at seeking stronger collaboration and establishing a more effective working relationship with the KSPHCDA.
Audu described the Agency as a strategic partner in advancing the objectives of the Network, particularly because of its grassroots presence and critical role in the delivery of primary healthcare services across Kogi State.
He said the delegation also used the visit to draw attention to challenges confronting members of the Network and seek institutional support for HIV awareness, testing and community mobilisation activities.
The State Coordinator specifically appealed to the Agency for support in the provision of HIV test kits, noting that adequate testing materials would enable the Network to reach more people, encourage voluntary testing and facilitate early identification and referral of persons requiring medical attention.
Audu stressed that access to testing remains a critical component of HIV prevention and control, adding that stronger partnerships with relevant government agencies would help close existing gaps and improve service delivery at the community level.
The visit provided an opportunity for both organisations to explore areas of mutual interest and deepen collaboration in advancing HIV/AIDS awareness, prevention, testing and support services across the state.
The engagement, stakeholders said, further highlights the importance of partnerships between government institutions, civil society organisations and community-based networks in strengthening public health interventions.
With the KSPHCDA’s assurance of collaboration, expectations are high that sustained partnership will expand HIV awareness and access to testing and support services while promoting a more inclusive healthcare system for the people of Kogi State.
The development also reflects the broader healthcare agenda of the Ododo administration, which continues to place emphasis on strengthening primary healthcare institutions and expanding access to essential health services across the state.
