Enugu State reaffirmed its leadership in proactive public health response as thousands gathered on December 1st at the expansive Michael Okpara Square for the 2025 World AIDS Day commemoration, an event marked by colour, culture, high-level government participation, and renewed determination to overcome the HIV/AIDS challenge. Organized by the Enugu State Agency for the Control of HIV/AIDS (ENSACA) under the coordination of its Executive Secretary, Dr. Emeh Rita (PT), the ceremony drew government officials, development partners, civil society organizations, school representatives, medical experts, and everyday citizens, reflecting a broad coalition committed to ending AIDS in the state.
Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah was represented by the Commissioner for Health, Professor George Ùgwù, while the wife of the governor was ably represented by the wife of the Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Mrs. Ugwu. Their attendance signaled the administration’s whole-of-government commitment to strengthening HIV prevention, treatment, and awareness efforts across Enugu State.
Delivering the governor’s message, Professor Ùgwù began by acknowledging Dr. Mbah’s absence due to pressing state matters, assuring the crowd that the governor remained deeply invested in the fight against HIV. “His Excellency, the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, planned to be here physically for this very important programme. Unfortunately, due to conflicting and urgent state matters, he could not attend. However, he has asked me to fully represent him, participate actively, and convey his deep commitment to this cause,” he stated.
Providing a snapshot of the current HIV landscape, he revealed that Enugu State’s HIV prevalence stands at 2.1%—below the South East regional average of 2.9%—but emphasized that the figures still require determined action. “While these numbers place us on the lower end of the prevalence chart, they still demand strong, consistent, and strategic action,” he stressed.
Professor Ùgwù reassured the public that Governor Mbah has given a firm directive to drive the prevalence rate below 1% within the shortest possible time. “The Government of Enugu State is fully committed to working closely with ENSACA and the Ministry of Health to bring this prevalence rate down to less than 1%. This commitment is not just in words—it is backed by action,” he declared.
He highlighted the governor’s strengthened support to health agencies, enabling them to intensify advocacy, testing, and treatment services across schools, markets, motor parks, hospitals, churches, and rural communities. “His Excellency has provided the necessary support to extend HIV services to every corner of Enugu State. We emphasize that people should go for testing so they can know their status, receive early care, and live a positive, healthy, and productive life,” he added.
The Commissioner further revealed that Governor Mbah has ordered the full deployment of all available intervention mechanisms—counselling, testing, ART treatment, viral load suppression, prevention education, and community engagement. “The governor has given us his word that everything needed to be done is being done, and he continues to support these efforts with funding, infrastructure, and policy backing,” he affirmed.
According to him, the state’s ongoing investment in healthcare infrastructure is central to achieving these goals. “Across our Type II Primary Healthcare Centres and the Secondary Healthcare Centres currently being revamped, these essential services—testing, counselling, prevention education, and follow-up care—will be continuously available. Every ward in Enugu State will have access to these services. This is how we will expand coverage and push HIV prevalence down to the lowest possible rate,” he said.
Professor Ùgwù also recalled the intensive pre-event activities conducted two days before World AIDS Day, where teams from ENSACA, the Ministry of Health, and development partners embarked on widespread sensitisation across major streets, markets, and communities. He described it as “a remarkable effort and part of a larger set of activities put together to mark World AIDS Day 2025.”
He concluded with a message of unity and shared responsibility, noting: “This is a big team working closely with the Office of the Governor, and together, we are succeeding. World AIDS Day is not just a ceremony; it is a reminder that ending AIDS is a shared responsibility—one that we take very seriously in Enugu State.”
The event was graced by senior government functionaries and key stakeholders, including the Commissioner for Lands, Barr. Chimaobi Patrick Okorie; the Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Barr. Lloyd Ike Ekweremadu; leaders of the Umada Peter Mbah Women Group led by Hon. Peace Patrick; Dr. Nwakego Ajah of ENSUBEB; and the President of the Nigerian Medical Association, Enugu State Chapter, Dr. Sunday Okafor. Students from various secondary schools added colour and energy to the gathering, while the Enugu State Cultural Troupe from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism delivered an exhilarating cultural performance.
A major highlight of the celebration was the inter-school debate competition featuring College of the Immaculate Conception (CIC) Enugu, Anglican Girls Secondary School Awkunanaw, and Queens College Enugu. Support groups, including students from Metropolitan Girls Secondary School, added to the vibrant atmosphere. The debate, centered on the topic “Is Sex Worth Waiting For?”, ended with CIC emerging victorious to the applause of the audience.
In the end, the 2025 World AIDS Day commemoration in Enugu reaffirmed the state’s determination to pursue an HIV-free future through sustained political will, enhanced community enlightenment, improved health infrastructure, and strengthened partnerships. With a clear strategy and renewed momentum, Enugu State is moving decisively towards lowering HIV prevalence below 1% and ensuring that every resident has access to the knowledge, care, and support needed to live a healthy and fulfilling life.
PHOTOS 📸
