Iluma Calls for Improved HIV Services in Bayelsa
Dr Temple Iluma, the Director General of the Bayelsa State Agency for the Control of AIDS, BYSACA, has called on all stakeholders in the health sector including the government to take proactive steps to improve HIV services in the state.
Dr Iluma made the call during a meeting with some HIV implementing partners at the SACA Administrative office, Transparency Plaza, Oxbow lake, Swali in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital held on the 28th of May, 2025.
He noted that as international donors and implementing partners are currently reducing HIV Prevention intervention programs in the state, the government and other stakeholders should begin to put plans in place to fill in the gaps for efficient delivery of HIV services to the people.
The DG commended the donors and partners who have worked tirelessly for several years to tackle the HIV epidemic and gave assurance that the government would continue to support them to complete their projects.
However, he urged them to provide capacity building skills to staff of SACA through trainings and re-trainings in various key areas such as HIV Prevention, Treatment, Care and Support.
Chief of Party, COP for Clinical Care and Clinical Research, CCCRN, Dr Andrew Etsetowghan explained that the essence of the meeting was to intimate SACA on the changes in business operations and the reduction in the scope of work for HIV services in the state.
Dr Etsetowghan pointed out that there would be more focus on delivery of services through the health facilities and less on community outreaches as there has been a reduction in the funds from the donors.
However, he noted that for quality HIV services to be sustained in the state, all stakeholders need to work collectively despite the current realities.
On his part, Chief of Party, COP, Jhpiego, Dr Emmanuel Atuma urged SACA to take the lead in funding and advocacy to ensure continuos quality HIV Prevention interventions.
He expressed appreciation to the state government for the support and good leadership in SACA as well as the Ministry of Health which has assisted them in completing their projects in the state.
