By Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan
The Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has called for increased efforts to combat HIV/AIDS, emphasizing the need for collective action to eliminate the epidemic by 2030.
Governor Aiyedatiwa made the appeal during a symbolic awareness walk organised by the Ondo State Agency for the Control of AIDS (ODSACA) on Monday in Akure, the state capital.
The walk was part of activities marking World AIDS Day 2024, under the theme “Take the Right Path: Sustain the HIV Response and Stop HIV Among Children to End AIDS in Nigeria by 2030.”
Leading participants from the Government House, Alagbaka, to the MKO Abiola Democracy Park, Akure, the Governor highlighted his administration’s proactive measures to curb the spread of HIV/AIDS.
“We are committed to the sustainability of HIV prevention in the state,” Aiyedatiwa stated. “As a government of the people, we shall continue to provide enabling environments, social policies, and programmes to facilitate HIV/AIDS prevention.”
The Governor outlined key state interventions, including the provision of HIV test kits across health facilities, monitoring programmes for family life and HIV education in schools, and targeted HIV prevention campaigns on radio and television.
He also stressed the importance of collaboration with civil society organisations, NGOs, and religious groups to achieve zero new infections in the state by 2030.
Dr. Dayo Adegbulu, Project Manager of ODSACA, reiterated the Governor’s call for a united front against the epidemic.
He condemned the stigmatisation of people living with HIV/AIDS, emphasizing the state’s legislative framework to protect against discrimination.
“Stigmatisation undermines our collective effort,” Adegbulu remarked. “We encourage citizens to report cases of discrimination to the appropriate authorities.”
The awareness walk saw active participation from NGOs, civil society organisations, students, members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), and other stakeholders, showcasing Ondo State’s collective determination to end HIV/AIDS.
Governor Aiyedatiwa concluded by urging all citizens to support prevention initiatives and join hands in the fight against the virus, saying, “Together, we can achieve a future free of HIV/AIDS by 2030.”
