By Ugar Ukandi
United States Ambassador to Nigeria Mary Beth Leonard has visited Governor Simon Bako Lalong at the Government House, Rayfield Jos to reiterate the commitment of her country to supporting Plateau State in areas of health, peace, security and economy.
The Ambassador told Governor Lalong that she was in Plateau State for the Launch of the HIV Treatment Surge Light Campaign aimed at further reducing the burden of people living with the virus as well as preventing further infections.
She said the partnership between the United States Government through its agencies such as the USAID, APIN, PEPFAR will continue especially now that the world is dealing with other health challenges such as COVID-19.
She also assured the Governor that the United States will continue to deepen its support for peace building and dialogue in the State in support of the restoration of substantial peace in Plateau.
Governor Lalong appreciated the visit of the Ambassador to Plateau State which he said reaffirms the commitment of the United States to supporting various initiatives for development in the State.
He specifically thanked the United States for the support towards establishing the Plateau Peace Building Agency which has become a model in the country.
On HIV Aids, the Governor said a lot is being done to ensure that those infected have access to treatment while those who are not infected remain negative.
He assured Ambassador Mary Beth Leonard that the efforts of the US Government in tackling HIV and other diseases will not be allowed to waste as the State is making huge investments in hospitals, personnel and infrastructure.
He also told the Ambassador that Plateau State remains a viable investment destination for agriculture, tourism, solid minerals, technology and human capital development and said US investors are welcome.
Lalong said the delayed Plateau State Economic and Investment Summit which was halted by COVID-19 will still hold hopefully by the end of the year.
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