World AIDS Day: Ogun govt restates commitment to prevent mother-to-child transmission

The Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, on Monday restated the commitment of the Prince Dapo Abiodun-led administration to preventing mother-to-child transmission of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

Coker disclosed this while addressing journalists during the 2024 World AIDS Day commemoration, themed “Take the Right Path: Sustain HIV Response, Stop HIV Among Children,” held at the Press Centre, Governor’s Office, Oke Mosan, Abeokuta.

The Commissioner, flanked by the Special Adviser to Governor Abiodun on Media and Strategy, Mr. Kayode Akinmade, and the Permanent Secretaries of the Ministries of Information and Strategy, and Health, Alhaji Waheed Odusile and Dr. Kayode Oladehinde, respectively, revealed that 30,350 individuals are currently receiving HIV treatment in the state, with children accounting for two percent of this population.

She explained that the statistics underscore the urgent need to prioritize the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) and to ensure that children living with the virus have access to adequate care and treatment.

The Health Commissioner noted that HIV remains a significant public health challenge in Nigeria, with an estimated 1.9 million people living with the virus as of 2020.

ALSO READ: Over one million crime-related violence recorded against women in 2023 — UNODC

Coker said, “Achieving our goals requires sustaining the momentum of our HIV response. A comprehensive approach, involving prevention, testing, treatment, and support services, is critical.

“Prevention efforts must include widespread education, the promotion of safe practices such as condom use, and ensuring access to testing services.

“Through timely testing, we can identify cases early and connect individuals to life-saving antiretroviral therapy (ART), which not only improves their health but also prevents further transmission.”

She further stated that the state is making steady progress towards achieving the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets, which aim for 95 percent of people living with HIV to know their status, 95 percent of those diagnosed to receive treatment, and 95 percent of those on treatment to achieve viral suppression.

According to her, Ogun State currently stands at 95 percent, 76 percent, and 83 percent, respectively, in meeting these targets.

In his remarks, Akinmade expressed the Ministry of Information and Strategy’s commitment to disseminating vital information to the public about HIV/AIDS.

The governor’s aide emphasized that proper information and advocacy would play a crucial role in helping the state achieve zero impact from HIV/AIDS by 2030.