The Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, revealed on Monday that approximately 30,350 people are currently receiving treatment for HIV/AIDS in the state, with children accounting for about 2% of this population. She stressed the need to prevent mother-to-child transmission and provide adequate care for children living with the virus.
Dr. Coker highlighted Ogun State’s commitment to achieving the global goal of eradicating HIV/AIDS by 2030. She called for increased funding for HIV programmes to ensure sustainability and urged the public to adopt safe sexual practices, use condoms, and undergo regular testing. She also noted that HIV testing and treatment services are free in the state.
Coker made these remarks during a press briefing organised by the Ogun State Agency for the Control of AIDS to commemorate this year’s World AIDS Day. The theme of the event was “Take The Right Path: Sustain HIV Response, Stop HIV Among Children.”
Achievements and Challenges
Dr. Coker shared that Ogun State has made significant progress in combating HIV/AIDS, achieving a prevalence rate of 1.6% (NAIIS 2018) and progressing toward the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets:
- 95% of people living with HIV know their status.
- 76% of those diagnosed are on treatment.
- 83% of those on treatment have achieved viral suppression.
She outlined initiatives, including:
- Expanding comprehensive HIV/AIDS treatment sites from 22 to 43.
- Providing MPIMA machines for early infant diagnosis of HIV.
- Training traditional birth attendants to strengthen prevention efforts.
- Deploying 150 mentor mothers across the state to provide peer support and encourage adherence to treatment.
Despite these successes, Dr. Coker stressed the importance of addressing social determinants like poverty, stigma, and gender inequality, which contribute to the spread of the virus. She also called for stronger community engagement and proactive health decisions to reduce transmission.
Media’s Role in Public Awareness
Special Adviser to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Information and Communication, Kayode Akinmade, called on the media to support the state’s efforts by disseminating accurate information to educate the public. He noted that increased awareness could guide informed actions and reduce the impact of HIV/AIDS.
Dr. Coker reaffirmed Ogun State’s commitment to eradicating HIV/AIDS and urged for collaborative efforts to ensure zero new cases by 2030.
