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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
The transition committee, led by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, was given a directive by President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday to make sure that the HIV/AIDS programme successes are amply noted in transition notes and a sustainability roadmap developed for the new administration.
According to a statement by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, he gave the directive during an audience with the Director–General of National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Dr Gambo Aliyu, the Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Molly Phee, and Ambassador of the United States to Nigeria, Mary Beth Leonard.
Nigeria will continue to give the fight against HIV/AIDS top priority until the condition is no longer a threat to the public’s health, Buhari assured the United States Government.
He added that his administration remains committed to eradicating HIV and other public health emergencies and would leave no stone unturned until a sustainable system is put in place.
Welcoming the tremendous progress made in the collective fight to end AIDS in Nigeria, President Buhari congratulated the NACA DG for a job well done.
“I wish to acknowledge the important role played in enabling the significant infrastructural investment developed over the years for HIV control, to the fight against COVID-19, Monkeypox, Lassa fever and other emerging infectious diseases affecting our people.
“Gradually our determined efforts with the support of our friends, the nation’s preparedness and capacity to respond to public health emergencies is growing stronger by the day.
“To this end, the Federal Government will continue to work with the leadership of the Governors Forum and the organised private sector to continue to provide adequate resources and sustainable financing for the national response to HIV,’’ he said.
Molly Phee, the Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, said the presence of herself and her team “shows the esteem in which we hold you (President Buhari) and your country,” adding that they were proud to be partners in the battle against HIV/AIDS.
“We appreciate your leadership, and that of the Director General of NACA, and his team. You should all be proud of what you have done,” she added.
The Assistant Secretary of State also commended President Buhari for not pursuing a third term in office, and for his commitment to free and fair polls in the general elections ahead.
“You are a leader for the sub-region, for the continent, and for the world,” Molly Phee submitted.
The American Ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Beth Leonard, said she was thrilled at the strides Nigeria took in combating AIDS, describing it as an “amazing achievement”.
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