Cross River's HIV Test Kit Shortage Raises Alarm in 2026

Civil society groups under the AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (ATM) Network have alerted authorities in Cross River about a critical shortage of HIV test kits at several primary healthcare centers (PHCs). Effiong Udobong, the State Coordinator of Civil Society in Malaria Control, Immunization and Nutrition (ACOMIN), expressed that the lack of testing among at-risk populations could exacerbate the spread of HIV.

During an advocacy visit to Dr. Charles Iwara, the Director General of the Cross River State Agency for the Control of AIDS (SACA), Udobong highlighted that the absence of test kits has severely impacted healthcare services. Victor Ogwuche, the State Programme Officer of the ATM Network, noted that facilities in areas like Bebiaka, Ibonda, and others in Ikom LGAs are particularly affected.

Dr. Iwara acknowledged the ATM Network's efforts and announced the provision of 300 test kits to three affected PHCs. He reaffirmed SACA's commitment to effective collaboration and oversight in HIV/AIDS management.