Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
Coalition of civil society groups in Edo State, has faulted the state government for not constituting the State Agency for the Control of AIDS (SACA) board after its dissolution.
Speaking at a rally to mark the 2023 World AIDS Day celebration, coordinator, Civil Society for HIV/AIDS in Nigeria, Comrade Saliu Aidorolo said the hope to end HIV/AIDS by 2030 is very bleak if the Edo SACA board is not reconstituted as soon as possible.
He said the absence of the board has stalled them as a non governmental organization from approaching international organizations for financial aid to address the scourge in the state.
He said the states where the SACA boards are still operational, they can approach donor agencies for financial aid.
Aidorolo said all hands must be on the deck to address the scourge if the country must make a headway in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Aidorolo said the board, before its dissolution, recorded a huge success in its fight against HIV/AIDS.
He called on the media to help intensify their advocacy against the scourge.
On his part, chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalist (NUJ), Edo State Council, Comrade Festus Alenkhe, thanked the coalition for their sensitization rally.
He said the media will do their part by taking their demand to the state government for urgent reconstitution.