South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Simon Deng
Central Equatoria State officials have blamed insufficient funding and poor road network for derailing efforts to reach out to people living with HIV/AIDS in the State.
“In Central Equatoria State, we have a lot challenges, the first challenge is logistical challenges, we did not extend services to Terekeka, Kajo-Keji, Yei River, Morobo and Lainya counties, simply because the roads are not accessible,” said Marino Michael Sebit, Chairperson for HIV/AIDS Commission in Central Equatoria State on Friday.
He disclosed that they registered 8,100 new infections in 2023 alone; adding that a total of people living with HIV stands 144,000 across the State.
Mariam Aguli Zacharia Alex, the Advisor on Gender, Child and Social Welfare in Central Equatoria State, urged the government to intervene and support people living with HIV/AIDS in Central Equatoria State.
“As the State we urge the partners and international community to continue supporting people living with HIV/AIDS, in South Sudan and in Central Equatoria state, HIV/AIDS is considered a public health concern,” said Alex.
Lole Laila Lole, the Executive Director for South Sudan Network of Persons living with HIV/AIDS, said that the sexually transmitted disease requires concerted efforts to prevent new infections.
“HIV is real, it is over the country and we need to address HIV/AIDS holistically in terms of stigma and discrimination, and in terms of treatment and prevention, there is no proper funding, the country is depending on partners and their budget is also limited,” said Lole.
