The Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, revealed on Monday that approximately 30,350 people in the state are currently undergoing treatment for HIV/AIDS, with children accounting for 2% of this figure.
Speaking during a press briefing organised by the Ogun State Agency for the Control of AIDS to commemorate World AIDS Day, Dr. Coker stressed the need to prioritise the prevention of mother-to-child transmission and provide adequate care and treatment for children living with HIV.
The event, held at the Ministry of Information and Strategy, Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, focused on the theme: “Take the Right Path: Sustain HIV Response, Stop HIV Among Children.”
Highlighting the state’s commitment to eradicating HIV/AIDS by 2030, Dr. Coker stated, “Increasing funding for HIV programmes to ensure their sustainability must be prioritised.”
She also called on the public to adopt responsible sexual behaviours, including condom use, and to undergo regular testing to know their HIV status.
Dr. Coker noted that all HIV testing and treatment services in Ogun State are free of charge.
Providing insights into the state’s progress, Dr. Coker cited data from the Nigeria AIDS Indicator and Impact Survey (NAIIS 2018), which places Ogun State’s HIV prevalence at 1.6%.
She reported that the state is advancing towards achieving the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets, with 95% of people living with HIV aware of their status, 76% receiving treatment, and 83% achieving viral suppression.
“To sustain this progress, we have expanded comprehensive treatment sites from 22 to 43, equipped facilities with MPIMA machines for early infant diagnosis, and engaged 150 mentor mothers across all 20 local government areas to provide peer support and encourage treatment adherence,” Dr. Coker explained.
Additionally, traditional birth attendants have been trained to bolster prevention efforts.
Dr. Coker underlined the need to address social determinants of health, such as poverty, stigma, and gender inequality, which contribute to the spread of HIV.
She also called for greater community engagement to empower individuals with knowledge and resources to prevent transmission.
The Special Adviser to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Information and Communication, Kayode Akinmade, appealed to the media to support awareness campaigns.
“Accurate information is vital to educate the public about HIV/AIDS and guide them towards proactive health measures,” Akinmade said.
World AIDS Day serves as a reminder of the ongoing fight against the global HIV/AIDS epidemic and the importance of sustaining efforts to achieve an AIDS-free generation.
