Officials of the National HIV and AIDS Response Team recently paid a courtesy call on the governor of North Bank Region during which they restated and renewed their commitment to the fight against HIV and AIDS.
The officials also shared with Governor Lamin Queen Jammeh the achievements and challenges in the fight against HIV and AIDS in The Gambia.
Ousman Badjie, director of National AIDS Secretariat (NAS) said the recent enactment of the HIV and AIDS Prevention and Control Bill is a demonstration of The Gambia government’s commitment to the fight against HIV and AIDS.
Mr Badjie emphasised that “the government is committed” to accelerating the national response to HIV and AIDS and enhancing the welfare of People Living with HIV ((PLWHIV).
Bai Cham, project manager of Global Fund HIV and AIDS at Action Aid International The Gambia, called on the regional authorities to support in resource mobilisation to sustain the financing of the National Response on HIV and AIDS.
He pointed out that stigma and discrimination remain a greatest challenge in the fight against the virus while calling on stakeholders to intensify the awareness-creation campaign.
Saikuna Sanyang, programme manager of NAS, reiterated the need for sustainable financing of national response to the PLWHIV.
Musa Camara, programme officer of GAMNASS, urged the regional authorities to provide support to the PLWHIV to sustain and enhance their participation in national development.
Sira H. Ndow, UNAIDS country representative, said the UNAIDS aims to complement the national response on HIV and AIDS in treatment, home-based care, governance and other measures.
She noted that the Early Infant Diagnosis initiated by the First Lady of The Gambia would contribute to reducing new infection of HIV.
Governor Lamin Queen Jammeh thanked officials of the National HIV and AIDS Response Team and assured them of his office’s support.