..as ODSACA holds awareness walk

Ondo State Governor, Mr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has urged intensified efforts to eradicate the HIV/AIDS epidemic, emphasizing the need for increased support for individuals living with the virus.

Governor Aiyedatiwa made the appeal on Monday during a public awareness walk organized by the Ondo State Agency for the Control of AIDS (ODSACA) in Akure, the state capital, as part of activities marking the 2024 World AIDS Day.

The event, themed “Take the Right Path: Sustain the HIV Response and Stop HIV Among Children to End AIDS in Nigeria by 2030”, aimed to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS prevention, combat stigmatization, and promote support for those affected by the virus.

Leading the awareness walk from the Government House in Alagbaka to the MKO Abiola Democracy Park in Akure, Governor Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to eliminating HIV/AIDS in the state.

He outlined key initiatives, including the provision of HIV test kits to all health facilities, monitoring programs for family life and HIV education in secondary schools, and the dissemination of HIV prevention messages through radio and television jingles.

Highlighting the importance of collaboration, the Governor called on civil society organizations, non-governmental organizations, and religious groups to work together toward achieving the goal of zero new infections by 2030.

“As a people-focused government, we remain committed to sustaining HIV prevention efforts. We will continue to implement social policies and programs that foster a supportive environment for HIV/AIDS prevention,” he stated.

In his remarks, Dr. Dayo Adegbulu, the Project Manager of ODSACA, underscored the collective responsibility in eliminating the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

He cautioned against stigmatizing those living with the virus, noting that Ondo State has enacted laws to protect against discrimination.

He urged citizens to report any cases of stigmatization to the appropriate authorities.

The event saw participation from a wide array of stakeholders, including non-governmental organizations, civil society groups, members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), students, and other community members.

The walk symbolized the state’s commitment to raising awareness and fostering a unified approach to ending HIV/AIDS in the region.