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UYO-The Akwa Ibom State Agency for the Control of AIDS( AKSACA),has strengthened collaboration with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council in the fight against HIV/AIDS and other health-related challenges in the state.
The Project Manager, Dr Enobong Akpan who initiated the collaboration during an advocacy visit to the Chairman of the Union, Comrade Nsibiet John at the press centre, Uyo recently, noted that the partnership became necessary to enhance accurate reporting and sustained public awareness in the campaign against HIV.
Akpan appreciated the NUJ for its unwavering commitment to responsible journalism, public enlightenment, social development, and the promotion of good governance in the state.
According to him, the media remains a powerful institution capable of shaping public perception, influencing behaviour, driving social change, and amplifying critical public health issues.
Highlighting the agency’s achievements, Akpan noted that significant progress has been made in HIV prevention through the collective efforts of government, development partners, communities, healthcare providers, and the media.
However, he was concern over findings from the 2026 ART Impact Survey (AIS), which revealed an HIV prevalence rate of 6.3 percent among females, nearly three times higher than the 2.2 percent recorded among males.
The survey also indicated an overall HIV prevalence rate of 4.3 percent among persons aged 15 to 64 years in Akwa Ibom .
He observed that women and girls remain the most vulnerable population and stressed that primary HIV prevention must remain at the centre of efforts to curb the spread of the virus, particularly among young people.
Akpan appreciated the NUJ for its unwavering commitment to responsible journalism, public enlightenment, social development, and the promotion of good governance in the state, describing it as dynamic, progressive, and results-oriented.
He formally invited the NUJ chairman to participate in the forthcoming HIV Media Advocacy Summit and announced his nomination as an automatic member of the advocacy team.
Akpan applauded the Governor of Akwa Ibom, Pastor Umo Eno, for his visionary leadership and people-oriented policies, particularly the reforms in the health sector.
He highlighted the remodeling of primary healthcare centres and the implementation of the State Health Insurance Scheme as key achievements that have strengthened healthcare delivery.
He also commended the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem John, for effectively translating the Governor’s ARISE Agenda into tangible results within the health sector.
Responding, the NUJ Chairman, Comrade Nsibiet John, commended AKSACA and its development partners for their sustained commitment to combating HIV/AIDS in the state.
He observed that Akwa Ibom has consistently ranked among the states with the highest HIV prevalence in Nigeria and questioned the factors responsible for the trend despite similar lifestyle patterns in other parts of the country.
He urged the agency, its partners, and other stakeholders to intensify efforts aimed at reducing the state’s HIV prevalence rate.
John further applauded the project manager for recognising the critical role of the media in responsible reporting and effective information dissemination.
He pledged the union’s continued support and collaboration with AKSACA, assuring that the NUJ would give adequate publicity to the agency’s programmes and activities to enhance public awareness and contribute to reducing HIV prevalence among young people and adolescents in Akwa Ibom.