By Babalogbon Adeyinka
The Ekiti State AIDS Control Agency (EkSACA) joined the global community to commemorate World AIDS Day, reaffirming its dedication to raising awareness, preventing the spread of HIV, and eradicating the disease in the state.
The event, themed “Take the Right Path: Sustain the HIV Response and Stop HIV Among Children to End AIDS in Nigeria by 2030,” was held in Ado-Ekiti and featured robust participation from stakeholders, NGOs, government officials, and civil society groups.
The event was officially declared open by the Wife of the Governor and Chairperson of EkSACA, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, who was represented by her Senior Special Assistant on Advocacy and Public Affairs, Dr. Eunice Fasanmi. In her speech, Dr. Oyebanji praised EkSACA and its partners for their relentless efforts in combating HIV/AIDS in the state.
She reassured the agency of the unwavering support of the state government and emphasized the importance of showing compassion to individuals living with HIV/AIDS.
“Discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS is unacceptable,” she stated firmly. “Anyone caught engaging in such acts will face the full weight of the law, we must create an inclusive society where everyone can thrive.”
The Executive Secretary of EkSACA, Dr. Dairo Ojo, lauded the support of Governor Biodun Oyebanji and his wife in advancing the agency’s mission. He highlighted Ekiti State’s progress toward achieving the UNAIDS 95-95-95 global target for HIV eradication by 2030, which involves diagnosing 95% of all HIV-positive individuals, ensuring 95% of them receive sustained antiretroviral therapy, and achieving viral suppression in 95% of those treated.
The SACA Boss noted that, this year’s theme emphasizes two critical priorities: sustaining the HIV response by strengthening the healthcare system and stopping HIV among children through intensified is efforts to prevent mother-to-child transmission. “Our collective actions will secure a future free from HIV/AIDS.”
In his remarks, the Program Manager of the Excellence Community Education Welfare Scheme (ECEWS), Dr. Wole Osilade, called for a rights-based approach to HIV intervention, stating that the fight against HIV/AIDS goes beyond healthcare. It requires advocacy, empowerment, and community-driven support.
In their goodwill messages, Mrs. Funke Ilesanmi, Director of the State AIDS and STIs Control Program (SASCP), and Pastor Oyewole, State Coordinator of the Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS (NEPWHAN), echoed the need to eliminate mother-to-child transmission and improve pediatric HIV care.
The commemoration featured a sensitization road walk from Fajuyi Park to Adebayo, led by the Head of Service, Dr. Folakemi Olomojobi, who emphasized the importance of collective action in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
“This battle requires teamwork, and we must eradicate all forms of stigma and discrimination,” she said.
Other notable attendees included the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Mrs. Olusola Gbenga-Ikotun, and the General Manager of Ekiti State Health Insurance Scheme, Dr. Charles Doherty.
The event concluded with a call to action for all stakeholders to strengthen efforts in sustaining the HIV response and ensuring a healthier, stigma-free society.