The wife of the Cross River State Governor Rev. Mrs Eyoanwan Bassey Edet Otu, has flagged off 32 days of non-stop activities to mark the 2023 Carnival, theme: Season of Sweetness.
Mrs Otu performed the flagged off on Friday when she joined forces with the Ministry of Health and several implementing partners to kick off the World AIDS Day Walk in Calabar.
World AIDS Day is observed every year on 1 December to spread awareness about HIV and AIDS.
This year’s theme: “Communities Leadership; to end AIDS by 2030,” attracted a massive turnout of participants from different walks of life.
“Our communities are the bedrock of strength, resilience, and progress,” Rev Otu said. “It is within our neighbourhoods, schools, workplaces, and homes that we can forge impactful change in the fight against AIDS.”
“As the wife of the Governor of Cross River State, I am committed to leveraging our resources and influence to intensify the fight against AIDS,” she said.
“I urge you to join hands with us, standing shoulder to shoulder, as we strive to create an AIDS-free generation for our beloved state.”
Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, the Commissioner for Health, while addressing the gathering, emphasized the importance of solidarity and collective action in fighting HIV/AIDS.
According to him, ”There is a need for increased support, especially for vulnerable populations, in order to achieve UNAIDS’ goal of eradicating AIDS by 2030.
He said all hands must be on deck to ensure HIV/AIDS is eradicated from the Cross River Community by 2030.
The flag off featured implementing partners, including leading healthcare organizations, non-governmental organizations, and community-based groups.