The Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, announced on Monday that around 30,350 people in the state are currently receiving treatment for HIV/AIDS, with children making up 2% of this group.
Dr Coker stressed the importance of preventing mother-to-child transmission and ensuring that children with HIV have proper care and treatment. She also called for increased funding to keep HIV programmes running, which is crucial to achieving the goal of eliminating HIV/AIDS by 2030.
She encouraged the public to practice safe sexual behavior, use condoms, and get tested regularly, emphasizing that HIV testing and treatment in Ogun State are free. The state is dedicated to meeting the global target of eradicating HIV/AIDS by 2030.
Dr Coker made these remarks during a press briefing held at the Governor’s Office in Abeokuta to mark World AIDS Day. This year’s theme was “Take The Right Path: Sustain HIV Response, Stop HIV Among Children.”
She pointed out that HIV/AIDS remains a major public health issue in Nigeria, with 1.9 million people living with the virus as of 2020. Ogun State has made progress, with a current prevalence rate of 1.6%, and is working toward the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets: 95% of people with HIV knowing their status, 95% of those diagnosed receiving treatment, and 95% of treated individuals achieving viral suppression. The state has achieved 95%, 76%, and 83%, respectively, in these targets.
To strengthen its efforts, the state has increased the number of HIV treatment centers from 22 to 43, provided specialized machines for early diagnosis in infants, and involved 150 mentor mothers to offer peer support. Traditional birth attendants have also been trained to help in the fight against HIV.
Dr Coker highlighted the need for community engagement to raise awareness and empower people to make informed health decisions. She also noted that addressing issues like poverty, stigma, and gender inequality is essential to controlling the spread of the virus.
Earlier, Kayode Akinmade, the Special Adviser on Information and Communication, urged the media to play an active role in educating the public about HIV/AIDS. He emphasized the importance of accurate information to guide people in making proactive health decisions.
