Oyo gives N45m to HIV activities, inaugurates Ladigbolu, Peller, others as OYSACA ambassadors

Against the backdrop of a reduction in global funding for health intervention programmes, the Oyo State government on Wednesday announced the N45 million to activities to stem the tide of HIV in the state.

Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barrister Bayo Lawal, made the announcement at the inauguration of six OYSACA ambassadors to promote the mission and values of OYSACA, assist in raising awareness and support for individuals affected by HIV, and influence opinion and policies.

The six OYSACA ambassadors were Chief Saka Balogun, Honourable Sina Abiola Peller, Emeritus Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu, Chairman, House Committee on Health in Oyo State, Honourable Wale Saminu, Alhaji Adeleke Rasaki and Chief Mrs Mutiat Ladoja.

Barrister Lawal said approval has also been given for the purchase of the HIV test kits to assist OYSACA in its work of controlling HIV in the state.

He declared that the inauguration of six OYSACA ambassadors marked a significant milestone in the collective journey towards a future where HIV/AIDS is no longer a public health threat.

Barrister Lawal told the OYSACA ambassadors as champions of change to inspire change, promote education, and ultimately save lives, saying, “you are the voices for those who have been silenced, the beacons of hope for those in darkness and the catalysts for a more inclusive and compassionate society.”

While commending OYSACA for the initiative, which underscores the importance of community engagement and leadership in the fight against HIV/AIDS, he called for collective action to ensure an environment where everyone feels empowered to make informed decisions about their health, and where those living with HIV/AIDS are supported and embraced.

Oyo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, who was represented by the permanent secretary in charge of Oke Ogun Health Zone 1, Dr. Akinfemi Akinyode, assured the health ministry’s commitment to work with OYSACA to ensure that HIV prevention and treatment services are accessible, equitable, and people-centered.

She charged the ambassadors to use their platforms to amplify the message of hope, resilience, and zero tolerance for stigma, as Oyo State continues to make strides towards a future free of HIV/AIDS.

Earlier, Chairman OYSACA, Aare Dr Gbola Adetunji, said the inauguration of the OYSACA ambassadors was the opening of a new chapter in the annals of service of the OYSACA to seek cooperation between the government and highly distinguished persons in Oyo State to stem the tide of HIV in Oyo State.

He assured that the HIV intervention programmes being undertaken by the agency, the National Agency on Control of AIDS, and other development partners are still actively on course despite the new USA policy on the reduction of funding for its global health intervention programmes.

However, Dr. Adetunji listed the challenges faced by the agency in its activities to control HIV, including getting people living with AIDS enrolled in health insurance schemes, coping with the surge of patients needing therapy, and cooperation of the general populace and employers against the stigmatization of people living with AIDS.

Dr Wale Falana, the coordinating director for OYSACA, said that the selection of the ambassadors cuts across the zones in the state to encourage them to include HIV activities in their community activities and appreciate their past contribution to the development of their communities.