30,350 individuals receiving HIV treatment in Ogun – Coker

 

The Ogun government on Monday disclosed that no fewer than 30,350 individuals were receiving HIV/AIDS treatment in the state.

The State Commissioner for Health,

Dr Tomi Coker, who disclosed in Abeokuta, at a news conference to commemorate World AIDS Day, 

explained that children made up two per cent of the population.

The programme is with the theme, “Take the Right Path: Sustain HIV Response, Stop HIV among Children in Ogun State, Nigeria,”.

The Commissioner said that the statistic highlighted the urgent need to focus on preventing mother-to-child transmission and ensuring that children living with HIV had access to the care and treatment they needed.

She noted that to sustain the current momentum and achieve zero cases of HIV/AIDS by 2030, “increasing funding for HIV programmes to ensure their sustainability must be prioritised.”

According to Coker, the state is committed to the global goal of eradicating HIV/AIDS by 2030 and has therefore called on the public to embrace responsible sexual behaviour, use condoms, and undergo regular testing to determine their HIV status.

The Commissioner also emphasised that HIV/AIDS testing and treatment in the state are free of charge.

She said, "achieving our goals requires sustaining the momentum of our HIV response. A comprehensive approach, involving prevention, testing, treatment, and support services, is critical". 

"Prevention efforts must include widespread education, the promotion of safe practices such as condom use, and ensuring access to testing services". 

"Through timely testing, we can identify cases early and connect individuals to life-saving antiretroviral therapy (ART), which not only improves their health but also prevents further transmission,” she said.

Coker noted that the state had achieved giant strides in combating HIV under Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration.

”With a prevalence rate of 1.6 per cent ( 2018), we are steadily progressing towards achieving the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets—where 95 per cent of people living with HIV know their status, 95 per cent of those diagnosed are on treatment.

"95 per cent of those on treatment have achieved viral suppression". 

"Currently, Ogun State stands at 95 per cent, 76 per cent, and 83 per cent across the three targets".

”Key initiatives driving this progress include the creation of the Ogun State Alternate Medicine Board to support PMTCT efforts in our communities. The engagement of an additional implementing partner, Damien Foundation, to ensure that all HIV-positive pregnant women are linked to treatment. The training of Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) and community-based organizations (CBOs) on HIV testing services and linkages. Engagement of 150 mentor mothers across our 20 LGAs to provide peer support and encourage adherence among others,” she said.

Coker explained that it was important to  recommit  to the fight against HIV/AIDS, by sustaining the HIV response and focusing on the needs of children, we can create a healthier future for all. 

” Ogun State is on the cusp of greatness in this regard, and with continued effort, we will meet our goal of eradicating HIV by 2030.

She added that addressing the social determinants of health, including poverty, stigma, and gender inequality, is essential, as these factors contribute to the spread of HIV.

Coker also called for stronger community engagement to empower individuals to make informed health decisions that could help prevent the transmission of the virus.