Akwa Ibom’s First lady, Pastor PATIENCE UMO ENO is Dead.
A statement signed by the Commissioner for Information , Comrade INI EMEMOBONG noted that the First lady, who was ill, passed on peacefully in the hospital on Thursday, September 26, 2024,
The statement indicated that the family submits to the will of the Almighty and has asked for the prayers and support of kind-hearted individuals during this difficult time.
It also noted that His Excellency, the Governor, Pastor UMO ENO appreciates all who have stood by the first family in this period and assures all the citizens that despite this huge personal loss, his commitment to the service of the state is unwavering.
In the meantime, the family kindly requests privacy, as they mourn their beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, highlighting that further details will be provided by the family as necessary.
The bill was passed during plenary on Tuesday 24th September 2024.
Following the presentation of report by the House Committee on Health, it was observed that that the bill, when passed safeguards the Constitutional right of persons living with HIV/AIDS, will enhance early detection of the virus and strengthen enlightenment efforts of government.
The committee’s considerations were considered at the Committee of the Whole after which relevant amendments made.
Thereafter, a motion for the third reading of the bill was moved and seconded by members representing Onna State Constituency and Nsit Ubium State Constituency, Rt Hon SUNDAY UDOFOT and OTOBONG BOB respectively.
The Speaker of the House, Rt Hon UDEME OTONG passed the bill into law to prohibit stigmatisation and discrimination against Persons Living With HIV/AIDS and to regulate the Counseling and Treatments.
The speaker further directed the clerk of the House, Mrs NSIKAKABASI OROK to relate the resolution of the house to the state governor for his assent.
The Akwa Ibom State Agency for the Control of AIDS (AKSACA) has constituted a Gender and Human Rights State Response Team to ensure that the Anti-stigma and discrimination bill is properly implemented.
On Tuesday, September 24, The State House of Assembly passed the Anti-Stigma and Discrimination Bill, as it awaits assent by the Governor, Pastor UMO ENO.
AKSACA at the committee inauguration ceremony said a Gender and Human Rights response team comprising key stakeholders in Akwa Ibom state will drive the mitigation of discrimination against persons living with HIV.
In his remarks, AKSACA Program Manager, DR ENOBONG AKPAN said it remains imperative to foster an inclusive society that respects the dignity and rights of all individuals.
Also speaking about the Akwa Ibom’s HIV profile, the Prevention Officer for AKSACA, Dr. EDITH IGBEMI said the state has recorded N12,000 new infections by 2023 and that to prevent spread of the virus, it is crucial to tackle stigma and discrimination.
Dr EDITH highlighted that the response committee is mandated to support the mainstreaming of gender equality and human rights, while responding to related issues on HIV, at the state level, as outlined in the HIV/AIDS policy and strategic framework.
A resonating submission was made by the state representative for the Joint United Nations on HIV/AIDS – UNAIDS, DR IDAYAT UTHMAN, who said that the response team needs to establish a structure for effective implementation of the law.
The Gender and Human Rights Response committee was therefore inaugurated by the Director of Public Health, DR ETOP ANTIA, who represented Akwa Ibom’s Commissioner for Health.
The members comprising stakeholders form the Ministry of Justice, the Human Rights Commission, the Police, Faith Based Organisations, Implementing Partners and others, have pledged commitment to their duties to achieve the epidemic control in the state.
The Akwa Ibom State Government has announced the official launch of the State Health Insurance Scheme, Arise-care, a transformative initiative that will fundamentally reshape healthcare access and delivery.
Commissioner for Health, Prof AUGUSTINE UMOH made the announcement during a Press Conference at the State Ministry of Health, Idongesit Nkanga Secretariat, Uyo.
The Commissioner, who noted that Governor UMO ENO is expected to lead other dignitaries to the official launch of the Scheme, slated for Friday, September 20, 2024, called on all Akwa Ibom People to key-in and benefit from the Health Insurance scheme.
Prof UMOH, while promising to intensify public sensitization efforts by engaging citizens across the state on how they can benefit from the scheme, stressed that it is designed with three tailored plans to cater for the diverse healthcare needs of the people.
The Health Commissioner maintained that the ARISE-Care will focus on preventive care, reducing the burden on hospitals and health centers by prioritizing wellness and early detection.
Health insurance is an insurance product which covers medical and surgical expenses of an insured individual. With the ARISE CARE being a bold and revolutionary step towards achieving Universal Health Coverage –UHC, it therefore means that people will have access to full range of quality health services they need, when and where they need them, without financial hardship.
