By Peter.
yo State has drawn a red line: even as international HIV funding shrinks, the state will never allow its hard-won 0.9% prevalence rate to climb again.
Health Commissioner Dr Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi delivered the promise at the 2025 World AIDS Day event, themed “Overcoming Disruption: Sustaining Nigeria’s HIV Response”:
“The US policy shift and dwindling partner support are real threats, but we are taking full ownership of everybody’s health. There will be no gap — not on our watch.”
How Oyo Plans to Hold the Line
- Budget muscle: 2025–2026 allocations already locked in for integrated AIDS, TB, and Malaria care.
- Revitalised PHCs: Every ward now has testing, counselling, free treatment, and psychological support.
- New recruitment drive: Countering the “japa” brain drain with fresh doctors, nurses, and community health workers.
- Community power: Traditional rulers, imams, and pastors are being mobilised to kill stigma and drive uptake.
Oyo SACA Chairman Dr Gbola Adetunji added:
“We’re pushing harder on prevention — education, condoms, PMTCT — and chasing the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets. Ending AIDS by 2030 is still possible, but only if we own the fight.”
Today’s event featured a colourful rally through Ibadan streets, free HIV/TB/Malaria testing, and red-ribbon solidarity.
From 3.2% prevalence a decade ago to 0.9% today — Oyo is proof progress is real. Now the state says: “Global donors may step back, but Oyo will never step back.”
#WorldAIDSDay2025 #OyoFightsHIV #EndAIDS2030 #NoReversal #SeyiMakindeHealthAgenda
