300,000 Oyo Residents To Have Access To HIV test kits – Makinde Declares
Governor Seyi Makinde has announced that about 300,000 residents of the state will have access to HIV test kits.
Makinde, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Olubamiwo Adeosun, stated this during the launch of the HIV Treatment Surge by the Consul-General, United States Embassy, Claire Pierangelo, held at the Theophilus Oladipo Ogunlesi Hall, Ibadan.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, quoted the governor as saying that the programme’s focus is on bringing forth and placing on the front burner, issues that seriously challenge the health care system in the country.
He added that the plan of the Oyo State Government is to ensure that healthcare services reach the vulnerable, underserved and underprivileged in the state. Makinde expressed readiness of his administration to partner with the US on the HIV programme and other public health interventions.
He declared that the state government will provide HIV test kits for 300,000 residents in the state.
According to the governor, “This initiative, among other things, focuses on bringing forth and placing on the front burner issues that seriously challenge the health care system and is still of public health importance. HIV primarily affects those in their most productive years, especially women of reproductive age, children and adolescents.
“It also has a negative impact on households, communities, and economic growth of a country. Access to HIV testing, which is the gateway to prevention, treatment, and care services, is still limited and there is still no cure.
“HIV Treatment Surge Light Launch is expected to increase awareness of communities and health care providers on the need for women of reproductive age group, children, and adolescents to get tested for HIV.”
Makinde, therefore, called on all stakeholders to support the HIV Treatment Surge initiative by creating awareness in different communities on the need for people to know their HIV status and to encourage people living with HIV to remain on the life-long free treatment.
In his address, The Consul General, Pierangelo said that the launch of HIV/AIDS Treatment Surge Programme would create more opportunities for many people to be put under treatment.
“Over the years, since 2003, the US Government has provided over 6 Billion Dollars to Nigeria in the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS. We have 1.2m Nigerians currently under treatment for life.
“So, we are happy to come to Oyo State to identify and put under treatment as many people as possible in the state.
“Additionally, we are looking forward to other areas of cooperation in the aspect of training and immunisation of children.”
“Here in Oyo State, by the end of March 2021 there were over 23,000 people living with HIV that received PEPFAR-supported treatment.
“Today, we are in Ibadan, Oyo State, to formally launch the ART Surge Programme. This program is helping to identify people living with HIV and place those newly identified on free life-saving treatment.
“It is also helping to retain those already receiving treatment. Both efforts are needed for better treatment outcomes and improved quality of life for those affected. The ART Surge Programme in Oyo State is building from a strong programmatic foundation, as well as strong leadership from Governor Makinde.
“We are now in the final lap to achieving epidemic control in Oyo State. We will reach this historic achievement if we can continue to work together to remove all barriers that may impact health-seeking behaviors among people living with HIV, including ending user fees, stigma, and discrimination,” Pierangelo said.
