CR SACA Boss Charges Staff To Prioritize Results, Commitment In HIV Intervention Efforts

The Director General of the Cross River State Agency for the Control of HIV/AIDS (CR–SACA), Dr Charles Iwara, has urged staff members to adopt a result-oriented approach, demonstrate unwavering commitment, and dedicate themselves to their duties as the agency intensifies its HIV intervention efforts in 2024.

Iwara who was addressing Staff during a well-attended enlarged meeting in his office in Calabar, Tuesday, emphasized the importance of putting aside individual differences and working collaboratively towards achieving the agency’s goals for the overall success of the state.

“It’s time for us to bury the hatchet, forge ahead, and focus on delivering exceptional results in our HIV intervention programs. I have never been associated with failure and I want you to key into my philosophy so we can succeed in whatever we are doing in this agency,” he stressed.

The Director General’s call to action comes as CR–SACA prepares to implement its strategic plan for 2025, which prioritizes the reduction of HIV transmission, increase in HIV testing and treatment, and improvement in the quality of life for people living with HIV/AIDS in Cross River State.

Though primarily focused on prevention programmes, Staff members were encouraged to adopt a client-centered approach, prioritize teamwork, and strive for continuous improvement in their respective roles. 

The Director General assured staff that CR–SACA would provide the necessary support and resources to facilitate their success, including training and development opportunities, infrastructure upgrades which has started with the commissioning of an ultramodern office by the Governor in December 1, 2024 as part of activities to mark World AIDS Day, and a review of processes to eliminate bottlenecks to ensure welfare of staff.

As CR–SACA embarks on this new chapter, the Director General expressed confidence that the collective efforts of staff would yield remarkable results and propel the agency towards achieving its vision of an HIV-free Cross River State.

While assuring staff they will be carried along in all Activities of the Agency, Dr Iwara used the occasion to reveal plans by the office to commemorate 2025 United Nations International Condom Day built for February 13, eve of Saints Valentine’s Day.

Responding on behalf of the staff, Mr. Sampson Arikpo, Director, Care and Support, expressed his gratitude to Dr. Charles Iwara, describing him as a transformative leader who has made significant strides in CR–SACA within a short period. Arikpo pledged to collaborate with the DG to drive success.

Arikpo also seized the opportunity to appeal to the State Government and donor partners to increase their intervention funding to the agency. He emphasized that the task of spreading HIV/AIDS prevention awareness throughout the state is enormous and requires substantial funding to achieve success.