The Ogun State government has revealed that 30,350 individuals, including 2% children, are currently receiving HIV/AIDS treatment within the state. This disclosure was made by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, during a press conference in Abeokuta to commemorate World AIDS Day.
Themed “Take the Right Path: Sustain HIV Response, Stop HIV among Children in Ogun State, Nigeria,” this year’s campaign emphasizes the critical need to prevent mother-to-child HIV transmission and ensure adequate care and treatment for children living with the virus.
Prioritizing Funding and Awareness
Dr. Coker underscored the importance of sustaining the momentum in the fight against HIV/AIDS by increasing funding for programmes aimed at prevention and treatment. She highlighted the state’s commitment to eradicating HIV/AIDS by 2030, aligning with global goals, and urged the public to adopt safe sexual practices, including consistent condom use and regular HIV testing.
“Achieving our goals requires a comprehensive approach involving prevention, testing, treatment, and support services,” she stated, emphasizing that early testing and antiretroviral therapy (ART) are vital in improving health outcomes and curbing transmission.
Free Testing and Treatment Services
The Commissioner reiterated that HIV/AIDS testing and treatment services are free across the state. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to provide accessible healthcare while fostering widespread education on the importance of responsible behavior and early intervention.
Ogun’s Progress Towards Global HIV Targets
Under Governor Dapo Abiodun’s leadership, Ogun State has made notable progress in combating HIV/AIDS. As of 2018, the state reported an HIV prevalence rate of 1.6% and is actively working towards achieving the UNAIDS 95-95-95 goals:
- 95% of people living with HIV know their status
- 95% of those diagnosed are on treatment
- 95% of those on treatment achieve viral suppression
Dr. Coker noted that the state has already achieved 95% awareness of HIV status among people living with the virus, 76% treatment uptake, and 83% viral suppression, signifying steady progress.
Urging Continued Commitment
Highlighting the need for sustained efforts, Dr. Coker stressed that prevention through education, testing, and timely treatment remains the cornerstone of the HIV/AIDS response in Ogun State. The government’s focus on mother-to-child transmission prevention and targeted programmes for children aims to create a future where HIV/AIDS is no longer a threat to public health.
As Ogun State approaches the global 2030 target, its commitment to free healthcare services, community awareness, and collaborative action offers a model for other regions in Nigeria and beyond.
