The Oyo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to combating HIV/AIDS and sustaining progress despite funding difficulties.
Speaking at the opening session of a three-day workshop on the 2025–2027 HIV/AIDS State Strategic Plan, held in Ibadan, the Chairman of Oyo State Agency for the Control of AIDS (OYSACA), Dr. Gbola Adetunji, emphasized the importance of ownership in HIV programming.
“Our goal is to fully take responsibility for HIV care in the state without heavy reliance on external aid.” He noted.
The workshop, organized in collaboration with the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), was aimed at creating a comprehensive plan to guide the state’s response and aligning with national health policies and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of ending the epidemic by 2030.
Highlighting the challenges faced, the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, acknowledged the impact of the discontinuation of the USAID-supported HIV Sustainability and Transition Project.
, “Oyo State has intensified collaborations, shifted to domestic ownership, and integrated HIV services into routine healthcare to ensure sustainability.” She stated
Dr. Ajetunmobi also praised the efforts of Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration for its support of over 30,000 people living with HIV across 53 treatment centers statewide.
She described the workshop as a chance to improving strategies, addressing gaps, and adopting people-centered approaches.
“The Oyo State Ministry of Health has taken the bull by the horns. In response to that disruption, we intensified our collaboration with partners, held a series of strategic engagements, and reaffirmed our commitment to domestic ownership and sustainability.”
“We have deliberately moved away from vertical, donor-dependent programming and are now pushing for full integration of HIV services into our routine healthcare delivery system”. She added
Representing the National Agency for the Control of Aids, (NACA), Mrs. Rasheedat Jogbojogbo reiterated the agency’s commitment to supporting Oyo State in developing a robust plan for equitable access to HIV/AIDS services.
Speaking also at the Workshop, Chairman of the Oyo State Hospital Management Board, Dr. Akin Fagbemi pledged continuous support to eliminate HIV in the state.
In his address, the project consultant, Prof. Olalekan Adebimpe, assured participants of technical guidance, while also the Coordinating Director of OYSACA, Dr. Wale Falana, called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to achieve the agency’s mandate.
The workshop gathered national and state policymakers, health experts, development partners, and stakeholders to deliberate on strategies to reduce new infections and improve treatment outcomes.
E-Signed:
Prince Dotun Oyelade
Hon. Commissioner for Information,
Oyo State.
15th April, 2025.
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