By HeapNews
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to eradicating HIV/AIDS, calling for intensified efforts and collaboration among stakeholders. Speaking during an awareness walk in Akure on Monday to mark the 2024 World AIDS Day, the governor emphasized the need for sustained action to eliminate the epidemic by 2030.
“We remain steadfast in our resolve to end HIV/AIDS in Ondo State. This government will continue to provide an enabling environment, social policies, and programmes to facilitate HIV/AIDS prevention,” Governor Aiyedatiwa said during the event themed “Take the Right Path: Sustain the HIV response and stop HIV among children to end AIDS in Nigeria by 2030.”
The awareness walk, organised by the Ondo State Agency for the Control of AIDS (ODSACA), saw participants move from the Government House, Alagbaka, to MKO Abiola Democracy Park. Civil society groups, non-governmental organisations, NYSC members, and students joined the initiative aimed at raising awareness, combating stigma, and supporting those living with HIV/AIDS.
Highlighting his administration’s strides, Governor Aiyedatiwa noted the provision of HIV test kits to all health facilities in the state, the integration of HIV education in secondary schools, and regular dissemination of HIV prevention messages through radio and television.
The governor called for stronger collaboration, stating, “To achieve zero new HIV infections by 2030, we need the active support of civil society organisations, religious bodies, and all stakeholders. Together, we can make this vision a reality.”
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Dr. Dayo Adegbulu, Project Manager of ODSACA, stressed the importance of collective responsibility in the fight against the epidemic. “Stigma and discrimination remain significant challenges. We’ve passed a law to prevent such practices, and I urge citizens to report any cases to the relevant authorities,” he said.