In a determined bid to sustain progress in the battle against HIV/AIDS, the Oyo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to transforming HIV care through increased local ownership and integrated service delivery. This commitment was underscored at the opening session of a three-day workshop in Ibadan focusing on the 2025–2027 HIV/AIDS State Strategic Plan.

Local Ownership and Integrated HIV Services

Dr. Gbola Adetunji, Chairman of the Oyo State Agency for the Control of AIDS (OYSACA), emphasized the necessity of taking full responsibility for the state’s HIV care efforts. “Our goal is to fully take responsibility for HIV care in the state without heavy reliance on external aid,” he declared, reinforcing the state’s plan to reduce dependency on donor funding.

The workshop, held in collaboration with the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), seeks to create a comprehensive strategy that aligns with national health policies and the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly the aim to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic by 2030.

Adapting to Funding Challenges and Shifting Priorities

The Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, candidly acknowledged the challenges posed by the discontinuation of the USAID-supported HIV Sustainability and Transition Project. “Oyo State has intensified collaborations, shifted to domestic ownership, and integrated HIV services into routine healthcare to ensure sustainability,” she said. This shift marks a decisive move away from vertical, donor-dependent HIV programs towards a model that incorporates HIV services into everyday healthcare provision.

Dr. Ajetunmobi lauded the proactive steps taken by Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration, which has been instrumental in supporting over 30,000 people living with HIV across 53 treatment centers throughout the state. The workshop was described as a vital forum to assess current challenges, identify gaps, and adopt people-centered strategies in the fight against HIV.

Broad Stakeholder Engagement and Strategic Partnerships

Representing NACA, Mrs. Rasheedat Jogbojogbo reiterated her agency’s dedication to backing Oyo State’s efforts to expand equitable access to HIV/AIDS services. Meanwhile, Dr. Akin Fagbemi, Chairman of the Oyo State Hospital Management Board, pledged ongoing support for the state’s mission to eliminate HIV.

The event also featured technical guidance from project consultant Prof. Olalekan Adebimpe and a call for strengthened stakeholder collaboration by Dr. Wale Falana, Coordinating Director of OYSACA. Their insights underscored the importance of unified action among national and state policymakers, health experts, development partners, and community stakeholders to further reduce new infections and improve treatment outcomes.

A Vision for Sustainable HIV/AIDS Management

The workshop served as both an introspective analysis of current HIV/AIDS programming and a strategic planning session for the future. Oyo State’s deliberate move to infuse HIV services into routine healthcare demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to overcoming funding challenges. By championing domestic ownership and strategic partnerships, the state is setting a precedent for a self-reliant and sustainable HIV response.

This renewed commitment not only aims to safeguard the gains already made in the fight against HIV/AIDS but also aspires to catalyze a nationwide transformation. As discussions continue, stakeholders remain optimistic that these integrated, locally driven strategies will pave the way for significant improvements in HIV/AIDS management across the region, ensuring that both prevention and treatment are accessible and effective for all those in need.