During a press conference in Abeokuta to mark World AIDS Day, State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, revealed that children represent two percent of this population.
The theme of the event was “Take the Right Path: Sustain HIV Response, Stop HIV among Children in Ogun State, Nigeria.” Dr. Coker emphasized the critical need to prevent mother-to-child transmission and ensure that children living with HIV have access to necessary care and treatment.
To maintain progress and aim for zero HIV/AIDS cases by 2030, she stressed the importance of increasing funding for HIV programs to ensure their sustainability.
Coker reiterated the state's commitment to the global objective of eradicating HIV/AIDS by 2030, urging the public to adopt responsible sexual practices, utilize condoms, and participate in regular testing to know their HIV status.
She also highlighted that testing and treatment for HIV/AIDS in the state are provided at no cost. “To achieve our objectives, we must maintain the momentum of our HIV response. A comprehensive strategy that includes prevention, testing, treatment, and support services is essential.
“Prevention initiatives should focus on extensive education, promoting safe practices like condom use, and ensuring access to testing services. Early identification through timely testing allows us to connect individuals to life-saving antiretroviral therapy (ART), which not only enhances their health but also reduces the risk of further transmission.”
Coker acknowledged the significant progress made in the fight against HIV under the leadership of Governor Dapo Abiodun.
The prevalence rate of 1.6 percent in 2018 indicates that we are making consistent strides toward meeting the UNAIDS 95-95-95 goals.
These goals aim for 95 percent of individuals living with HIV to be aware of their status, 95 percent of those diagnosed to be receiving treatment, and 95 percent of those undergoing treatment to achieve viral suppression. Presently, Ogun State has achieved rates of 95 percent, 76 percent, and 83 percent for these three objectives, respectively.