Sequel to the relentless efforts of the Cross River State Government in the fight against and tackling of the HIV pandemic, the Cross River State Ministry of Health recently received an envoy from the South Africa Ministry Of Health and agreed on a symbiotic relationship with the medical team for the sole purpose of Learning Exchange as a way to stem the tide of HIV in both Countries.
This agreement was made known in a meeting by the Honourable Commissioner For Health Dr. Janet Ekpenyong during an interaction with the visiting team at the office complex.
Dr.Ekpenyong alongside the Permanent secretary of the Ministry Dr. Pauline Obute however, welcomed the team to Nigeria acknowledging the fact that both Countries shares a common denominator which is the HIV pandemic that is ravaging both Countries.
Speaking further,she revealed that the prevalence rate in Cross River State is currently at 2.3% with consented efforts underway to ensure its reduction to the lowest minimum level of 0% and possible eradication, Dr. Ekpenyong however charged the team to be critical thinkers as their research and learning should cover the Nigeria context.
According to her, “I will leave you to a curious scientific mind to compare notes and draw out your conclusion whilst imploring that the two days visit should not just be to learn but should also help Cross River State have a clearer picture of what has been presented and will further aid an advanced learning to close existing gap in the state and country at large.”
She added that Care Approach has moved to Patients Centered Care which the Model has come to address.Therefore, Case finding and prompt treatment should be given outmost attention while ensuring the that Data Model are duly strengthened.
In optimism,the Commissioner assured the team that with competent hands in the Ministry, a successful outing is envisaged and that the learning experience will be truly a worthwhile experience.
Speaking earlier, the Acting Director of Health South Africa Dr. Tshepo Molapo in his presentation commended Nigeria and Cross River State Ministry of Health for accepting and providing a conducive ambiance and warm reception for partners to thrive in the State.
Dr. Molapo stated that despite the adaptation of Differentiate Service Delivery (DSD), adopting Contextualize Differentiated Model of Care (DMOC) in 2020, the prevalence rate of South Africa has climaxed to 18.3% which neccesitated the expediency for the learning exchange to Nigeria to aid them study the Country’s policies and Implimentation of Anti Retroviral Treatment (ART) including policy guidance as well as facility and Community Management of ART Stocks and other workable plan in the State.
In order to create room for comparism, the State Aid Program Controller Dr. Goodwill Bassey Effah made a presentation of the work plan of the State as demanded by the South Africa Medical team which they said is to enable them know the current situation in Cross River State and the best practices that has led to our success story where they can make inference and draw conclusion for onward success and implementation in tackling HIV in South Africa.
In what was a heartwarming moment of interaction,comparison of notes,brainstorming,exchange of ideas and experiences the team from South Africa could not hold back their elation on the gestures of the Commisioner and the entire Ministry Of Health for their hospitality and open arms.
They team however expressed satisfaction and retorted their anticipated return to Nigeria and Cross River in no distant time to share their success story upon successful implementation.
Kenneth Anam
CRSMOH,Calabar
March,2023
