Ogun State is making notable strides in the fight against HIV/AIDS, with approximately 30,350 individuals currently receiving treatment, according to the state’s Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker. Of this number, children account for about two percent. Dr. Coker made this announcement during a press briefing to mark this year’s World AIDS Day, emphasizing the importance of preventing mother-to-child transmission and ensuring that children living with HIV receive the necessary care.

The Commissioner stressed the need for increased funding to sustain HIV/AIDS programs, which is crucial to achieving the global goal of zero cases by 2030. Dr. Coker also encouraged the public to embrace responsible sexual behaviors, undergo regular HIV testing, and make use of available prevention methods such as condom use.

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HIV testing and treatment services in Ogun State are provided free of charge, a key component in the state’s ongoing efforts to combat the epidemic. Dr. Coker shared that the state’s HIV treatment coverage is progressing well, with the current prevalence rate at 1.6%, and Ogun has met 95% of the UNAIDS target of diagnosing people living with HIV.

Among the state’s recent efforts, the expansion of HIV treatment sites has increased from 22 to 43, and key initiatives like early infant HIV diagnosis and peer support programs are already making a significant impact in improving health outcomes. Despite these advances, Dr. Coker highlighted the importance of addressing underlying social issues, such as poverty and stigma, to further reduce the spread of the virus.

Dr. Coker’s call to action underscores the need for a multi-faceted approach that combines prevention, education, treatment, and sustainable funding to eradicate HIV/AIDS.