The Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, has revealed that approximately 30,350 individuals are currently undergoing HIV/AIDS treatment in the state, with children making up 2% of this figure.
She made this known during a press briefing organised by the Ogun State Agency for the Control of AIDS, held at the Ministry of Information and Strategy, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, to mark this year’s World AIDS Day.
Speaking on the theme “Take the Right Path: Sustain HIV Response, Stop HIV Among Children,” Dr. Coker emphasised the importance of preventing mother-to-child transmission and ensuring children living with HIV receive necessary care and treatment.
“Our commitment to eradicating HIV/AIDS by 2030 aligns with the global goal,” she said, calling on the public to practice responsible sexual behaviour, use condoms, and regularly test for HIV.
She reiterated that testing and treatment in Ogun State are free of charge.
Highlighting Ogun State’s achievements, Coker noted the state’s progress toward the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets 95% of people living with HIV know their status, 95% of those diagnosed are on treatment, and 95% of those on treatment have achieved viral suppression.
Dr. Coker further disclosed initiatives that have bolstered the state’s fight against HIV/AIDS, including increasing HIV treatment centres from 22 to 43, deploying MPIMA machines for early infant diagnosis, engaging 150 mentor mothers across all 20 LGAs to provide peer support, and training traditional birth attendants to strengthen intervention efforts.
She stressed the need for sustained funding for HIV programmes and the importance of addressing social determinants like poverty, stigma, and gender inequality to curb the virus’s spread.
In his remarks, the Special Adviser to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Information and Communication, Kayode Akinmade, urged the media to play an active role in educating the public.
“Adequate enlightenment will empower people with the knowledge to take proactive steps in preventing HIV/AIDS,” Akinmade said.
Dr. Coker concluded by calling for stronger community engagement and collective action to achieve zero HIV/AIDS cases by 2030.
