Precious Pertals Empowerment Centre (PPEC), one of the organizations being funded by NEPWHAN/Global Fund N-THRIP project paid an advocacy visit to the Ondo State Agency for the Control of AIDS (ODSACA) to strengthen collaboration and draw attention to challenges affecting HIV service delivery in the state.

The visit was led by the Executive Director of PPEC, Mrs. Stella-Ikeokwu Nathaniel, and received by the Project Manager of ODSACA in Ondo State, Dr. Dayo Adegbulu.

The advocacy engagement focused on providing updates on the implementation of the Integrated Community-Led Monitoring Project and discussing challenges identified at health facilities, particularly those affecting HIV prevention, testing and treatment, gender-based violence (GBV), gender and human rights (GHR) interventions.

Mrs. Stella gave an overview of the project, including its objectives, scope and areas of intervention, while highlighting some of the challenges identified through monitoring activities at health facilities.

One of the major concerns raised was the non-availability of HIV test kits in some of the facilities where the project is being implemented.

Earlier, while introducing the team to the agency’s boss, the Chief Mobilization Officer of the team, Mrs. Adenike Ogunmakinwa, recalled that a visit had once been made to ODSACA at the commencement of the project, alongside the State Coordinator of the Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS (NEPWHAN), Prince Aladenusi Adesina, to seek the support of the agency towards the successful implementation of the project.

Responding to the concern, Adegbulu appreciated PPEC for its diligence and commitment to monitoring HIV-related services and reassured the team that the government had modalities in place for the restocking of HIV test kits.

He explained that provisions were being made for the supply of the consumable commodities required to support HIV services in health facilities.

The ODSACA boss also urged the PPEC team to remain vigilant in identifying cases of stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV and to take appropriate action through established structures.

He stressed the importance of addressing GBV and GHR concerns, since they formed part of the project’s mandate.

Adegbulu assured the team that ODSACA was ready to collaborate with PPEC and other stakeholders to ensure that victims of GBV and human rights violations received appropriate support, including referrals and linkages to services that could help them seek justice.

He acknowledged the significant role of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in identifying gaps in health facilities, raising concerns and advocating for improved service delivery.

He encouraged the project team to sustain evidence-based and constructive advocacy while maintaining collaboration with relevant government institutions and other stakeholders.

During the meeting, a reported case of stigma and discrimination in Ondo West was also brought to the attention of the team, and PPEC promised to follow up on the case and support efforts towards securing justice and protection for the affected individual.

The engagement provided an opportunity for both parties to deliberate on possible strategies for addressing gaps identified during the implementation of the Integrated Community-Led Monitoring Project.

The visit ultimately strengthened the relationship between PPEC and ODSACA and provided strategic guidance on addressing critical challenges affecting HIV service delivery in Ondo State, particularly the shortage of HIV test kits, stigma and discrimination.