By Our Reporter
Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has called for intensified efforts to eradicate the HIV/AIDS epidemic, emphasising the need for greater support for individuals living with the virus.
Speaking on Monday during an awareness walk organised by the Ondo State Agency for the Control of AIDS (ODSACA) in Akure, the state capital, the Governor highlighted the importance of collective action as part of the activities commemorating World AIDS Day 2024.
With the theme “Take the Right Path: Sustain the HIV Response and Stop HIV Among Children to End AIDS in Nigeria by 2030,” the event aimed to raise awareness about HIV prevention, combat stigmatisation, and promote support for those affected.
The awareness walk, which began at the Government House in Alagbaka and concluded at the MKO Abiola Democracy Park, was led by Governor Aiyedatiwa himself, underscoring the government’s active commitment to the cause.
Governor Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed the state’s dedication to eradicating HIV/AIDS through strategic initiatives, including the procurement of HIV test kits for all healthcare facilities, the implementation of monitoring and evaluation programmes for family life and HIV education in secondary schools, and broadcasting prevention messages via radio and television.
He called for enhanced collaboration among civil society organisations, non-governmental organisations, and religious bodies to help Ondo State achieve its ambitious goal of zero new HIV infections by 2030.
“As a government of the people, we are committed to sustaining HIV prevention efforts in the state. We will continue to provide the enabling environments, social policies, and programmes necessary to eliminate HIV/AIDS,” the Governor stated.
Dr Dayo Adegbulu, the Project Manager of ODSACA, echoed this sentiment, stressing that the battle against HIV/AIDS is a shared responsibility.
He urged the public to reject the stigmatisation of people living with the virus, highlighting a state law designed to prevent discrimination and calling on citizens to report such cases to the authorities.
The event attracted widespread participation, including representatives from non-governmental organisations, civil society groups, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), students, and other stakeholders, all united in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
