IBADAN/Nigeria: The Oyo State Agency for the Control of AIDS (OYSACA) has reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating the HIV/AIDS epidemic by 2030. This pledge was made by the Agency’s Chairman, Dr. Gbola Adetunji, during a recent meeting with development partners, line-ministries, and other stakeholders at the Agency’s Conference Room.
Dr. Adetunji emphasized the government’s dedication to meeting its HIV/AIDS eradication targets. He called on stakeholders to collaborate with the Agency to prevent the spread of HIV in the state. “We must continue promoting prevention, detecting new cases, and promptly initiating treatment,” he stated.
The meeting focused on developing strategic approaches to sustain the momentum in controlling HIV and enhancing treatment coverage for infected individuals. Dr. Adetunji announced that Oyo State, in partnership with local entities, would soon assume full control of HIV/AIDS programming, and the gathering would deliberate on the path forward.
He urged stakeholders to offer their support through advice and experience-sharing to curb the virus’s spread. Dr. Adetunji assured that he would do his utmost to ensure the Agency meets its objectives, working as a united team to achieve the 2030 target.
In his address, the Executive Secretary of the Agency, Dr. Waheed Lanre Abass, revealed that the Agency is actively assessing the HIV response in the state and aligning support efforts. He mentioned that the meeting would establish Technical Working Groups (TWGs) among participants and relevant stakeholders to guide the state’s HIV/AIDS eradication efforts.
“We are aligning our activities, regardless of external support, to improve coverage and effectiveness of our plans,” Dr. Abass said. “We will initiate the process of setting up TWGs and move forward from there,” he added.
The meeting featured presentations from line-ministries and implementing partners, including OYSACA Project Manager Dr. Kayode Ogunkunle, representatives from APIN Public Health Initiatives, Damien Foundation Belgium, NEPWHAN, ASHWAN, and various community-based organizations. Attendees also included officials from the Ministries of Health, Justice, Women Affairs, Education, Primary Health Care Board, Youth Agency, and other line-ministries.
