The Oyo State Agency for AIDS Control has suspended activities for World AIDS Day 2025, reiterating the state’s dedication to the fight against HIV.
The agency announced that Oyo continues to make progress in HIV testing, treatment and prevention efforts.
During a press conference at the agency’s office on Tuesday, the President, Dr. Gbola Adetunji, noted that the state has made notable improvements in reducing new HIV infections and expanding access to essential care services.
He said: “Over the years, our health workers, community leaders and people living with HIV have worked tirelessly to improve testing, treatment and prevention.
“Prevention programs have been strengthened, focusing on education, condom distribution and prevention of mother-to-child transmission.
“The allocation of 10,000 OYSHIA places to people living with HIV by the state government has also been a great support.”
Adetunji expressed gratitude to Governor Seyi Makinde for creating an enabling environment for the state’s response to HIV and acknowledged the contributions of partners such as APIN, SFH, DFB and community organisations.
He warned, however, that stigma and discrimination continued to hinder progress and called for greater public awareness, particularly among young people and vulnerable groups.
He stressed that sustained funding and resources are essential to maintain and expand current programs.
Adetunji highlighted the theme of this year’s World AIDS Day, “Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response”, which he said reflects the challenges posed by global funding constraints and geopolitical instability, while recognizing the resilience of communities.
He stressed that renewed strategies are needed to end AIDS by 2030, in line with the goals of the World Health Organization (WHO).
Adetunji urged residents to get tested, know their HIV status, support those living with HIV and work to eliminate stigma and misconceptions, describing these steps as crucial to achieving the state’s goal of ending AIDS within the decade.
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