Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has said his administration remains firmly committed to expanding access to HIV prevention and treatment services across the state.
The governor gave the assurance on Monday in Akure, during the flag-off of a health walk marking the 2025 World AIDS Day.
The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Olayide Adelami, described the commemoration as “a moment of reflection, renewal and responsibility”, noting that the state has in the past year strengthened HIV prevention structures in all 18 local government areas.
“Over the last year, more people living with HIV have been initiated and retained on treatment, leading to improved viral suppression. As a government, we will continue to build on the strong foundations in HIV prevention, treatment and care.
“I am pleased to announce that we have expanded access to HIV testing services across the 18 Local Government Areas in the state” he disclosed.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to reinforcing the Ondo State Agency for the Control of AIDS (ODSACA) to ensure it remains vibrant, accountable and fully empowered to coordinate the state’s multi-sectoral HIV response. He added that the government is scaling up domestic financing for HIV programmes at state and local government levels to guarantee sustainability beyond donor cycles.
In his remarks, Secretary to the State Government and Chairman of ODSACA, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti, said the agency has continued to implement global best practices in preventing HIV transmission and caring for people living with the virus.
“More lives have been saved in Ondo state due to the governor’s commitment, the dedication of health workers and the contributions of development partners and stakeholders,” he said.
Dr Fasoranti noted significant progress in the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, adding that data across all 18 LGAs show remarkable improvements in outcomes.
Also speaking, the Programme Coordinator of ODSACA, Dr. Dayo Adegbulu, urged stakeholders to renew their commitment to the fight against HIV and adopt more strategic and sustainable approaches to halt the spread of the virus.
Major stakeholders at the event included the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Banji Ajaka; Special Adviser on Health, Prof. Simi Odimayo; Permanent Secretaries from the Ministry of Health and the Hospital Management Board; DG Ondo State Contributory Health Commission, Dr Abiodun Oyeneyin, representatives of the Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWAN); development partners; civil society organisations; and labour unions, among many others.
They all emphasized the need for continuous efforts to curb the spread of HIV and provide optimal care for people living with the virus.