World AIDS Day: BYSACA Gets Support from Society of AIDS in Africa

The management of the Society for AIDS in Africa has assured the Bayelsa State Agency for the Control of AIDS, BYSACA of its support to achieve zero tolerance for HIV in the state.

Regional Director, Society for AIDS in Africa, Dr Michael Fellyn gave the assurance when he paid a courtesy visit to the Director General, BYSACA as part of activities to celebrate the 2024 World AIDS day.

Dr Fellyn noted that Bayelsa State needs support in HIV prevention, care and treatment inorder to improve the welfare of Persons Living With HIV, PLHIV and to prevent new infections in the state.

In his response, Director General BYSACA, Dr Ramoni Temple Iluma expressed appreciation to the Society for AIDS in Africa for the visit.

However, Dr Iluma explained that Bayelsa State is currently experiencing new HIV infections particularly in the communities which is fast spreading and has caused over a hundred deaths of young persons in various medical institutions.

He noted that the state government is working hard to improve HIV services however, there is a need for more funding particularly from international donors to scale up HIV services.

While speaking on the significance of the World AIDS day, the DG of BYSACA appealed to all residents of the state to go and check their HIV status as early detection leads to early treatment which saves lives.

He added that the state now has the Pre exposure prophylaxis, Prep for HIV prevention, which is available in health facilities within the state.