IBADAN/Nigeria: In a move to boost the effectiveness of HIV treatment and care, the Oyo State Government, through the Oyo State Agency for the Control of AIDS (OYSACA), has called on healthcare centres across the state to elevate their performance in providing comprehensive support to People Living with HIV (PLHIV).
Dr. Gbola Adetunji, Chairman of OYSACA, made this appeal during a recent working visit to various treatment sites in Ibadan. The visits aimed to familiarize the Agency with the centres, pinpoint challenges, and identify opportunities for OYSACA’s support.
Dr. Adetunji emphasized the importance of maintaining a compassionate approach towards PLHIV. “It is crucial for healthcare providers to foster a welcoming environment and continually educate patients,” he said. “Being HIV positive is not a death sentence. With proper treatment and adherence to prescribed regimens, PLHIV can lead long, healthy lives.”
The former two-term Commissioner for Health also encouraged individuals to utilize the free and voluntary HIV testing services available at Primary Health Care Centres (PHCs), State Healthcare Centres, and select Private Healthcare Centres across the state. “Regular testing is essential to confirm one’s status,” Dr. Adetunji stressed.
The ART Coordinators at the visited centres expressed gratitude for OYSACA’s proactive measures. They urged Dr. Adetunji to address the issue of insufficient test kits and to revive support groups for PLHIV within their facilities. They also extended their thanks to Governor Seyi Makinde for appointing Dr. Adetunji as the OYSACA Board Chairman, noting his extensive experience as a valuable asset to the Agency’s operations and visibility.
The sites visited included Comfort Medical Centre, Total Garden, Idi-Ogungun Primary Health Care Centre, Agodi Gate, Adeoyo Maternity Teaching Hospital (AMTH), and Yemetu, all situated in Ibadan.
