By Capital Watch Media
In a significant push against HIV/AIDS, Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has reinforced his commitment to eradicating mother-to-child transmission of HIV in the state.
Through collaboration with the National Agency for the Control of AIDS, NACA, and other health sector stakeholders, Oyebanji aims to ensure that no child in Ekiti is born with HIV and to further reduce the overall HIV/AIDS prevalence within the state.
Governor Oyebanji emphasized this commitment during a meeting with NACA’s Director-General, Dr. Temitope Ilori, and her team at the Governor’s office in Ado-Ekiti.
He stressed that the state government’s approach would be both strategic and intentional, focusing specifically on interventions that prevent HIV transmission from mother to child, which remains a critical issue in curbing the virus among newborns.
“Ekiti State has made strides in healthcare, especially in supporting HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment,” said Oyebanji.
“While our prevalence rate is low, preventing mother-to-child transmission is crucial. We are committed to taking every necessary step to ensure the health of our people and to protect unborn children from contracting this disease.”
Governor Oyebanji acknowledged the efforts made so far in addressing HIV/AIDS but noted the need to enhance these efforts at the grassroots level.
As part of this commitment, he announced plans to revamp the Local Action Committee on AIDS, LACA, in each local government, enhancing HIV Testing Services across Ekiti’s 16 local government areas.
This expanded testing is expected to serve as a foundation for more comprehensive HIV prevention, treatment, care, and support services for residents, particularly for vulnerable mothers and children.
Dr. Temitope Ilori, NACA Director-General, highlighted the ongoing issue of pediatric HIV in Nigeria, noting that mother-to-child transmission remains a major challenge.
She expressed urgency in addressing the problem, as Nigeria accounts for about 25% of the world’s population of children born with HIV.
Dr. Ilori emphasised the importance of state partnerships in addressing these high transmission rates, commending Ekiti for its comparatively low prevalence but stressing the need to further reduce infections.
Despite substantial resources dedicated to combating HIV/AIDS, Dr. Ilori noted that progress remains insufficient, particularly in eliminating mother-to-child transmission.
To strengthen this initiative, she urged the involvement of religious leaders, traditional rulers, and the media to build widespread support for prevention efforts.
During the meeting, Oyebanji’s administration outlined additional steps to promote community engagement and foster public awareness of HIV prevention.
Key government officials, including Secretary to the State Government Dr. Habibat Adubiaro and Health Commissioner Dr. Oyebanji Filani, participated in the meeting to show unified support for the project.
Officials from NACA and the State Agency for the Control of AIDS, SACA, were also present, signaling their commitment to intensifying preventive efforts throughout Ekiti.
Governor Oyebanji’s partnership with NACA marks a strong step toward eliminating pediatric HIV transmission, showcasing Ekiti State’s proactive approach to public health and setting a precedent for similar initiatives across Nigeria.
