By Adeola Badru

The Oyo State Agency for the Control of AIDS (OYSACA) has kicked off activities marking the 2025 World AIDS Day, reiterating the state’s commitment to a sustained and intensified fight against HIV.

Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday at the agency’s headquarters, Chairman of OYSACA, Dr. Gbola Adetunji, said Oyo State has recorded steady progress in reducing new HIV infections and widening access to testing, treatment, and prevention services.

“Over the years, our healthcare workers, community leaders, and people living with HIV have worked tirelessly to improve testing, treatment, and prevention,” he said.

Dr. Adetunji noted that the state’s prevention programmes have been strengthened through public education, condom distribution, and expanded interventions aimed at preventing mother-to-child transmission.

He also described the allocation of 10,000 Oyo State Health Insurance Agency (OYSHIA) slots to people living with HIV as a major boost to treatment access and continuity of care.

The OYSACA chairman commended Governor Seyi Makinde for providing an enabling environment for the state’s HIV response, while acknowledging the contributions of development partners such as APIN, SFH, DFB, and several community-based organisations.

Despite the progress, he warned that stigma and discrimination remain major barriers. He called for increased public awareness, especially among young people and vulnerable populations, to counter harmful myths and promote testing and treatment uptake.

Dr. Adetunji emphasised that sustained funding and strategic investments are critical to maintaining gains achieved so far.

Speaking on this year’s World AIDS Day theme, “Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response,” he said it reflects the global challenges of funding limitations and geopolitical instability, while highlighting the resilience of affected communities.

He added that Oyo State remains committed to aligning with the World Health Organization’s target of ending AIDS by 2030, but stressed that renewed strategies and community-driven approaches are necessary.

Adetunji urged residents to get tested, know their HIV status, support people living with HIV, and work towards eliminating stigma, describing these as essential steps to achieving the state’s goal of ending AIDS within the decade.