Pregnant women in Oyo State have been urged to register for antenatal care and undergo HIV testing to ensure early detection and prevention of mother-to-child transmission. This call was made by the Chairman of the Oyo State Agency for the Control of AIDS (OYSACA), Gbola Adetunji, during a press briefing commemorating the 2024 World AIDS Day in Ibadan, the state capital.

Adetunji highlighted the alarming contribution of Nigeria to global child HIV infections, citing UNICEF’s 2020 data which revealed that the country accounted for 21,000 new child HIV infections, the highest worldwide. He further noted that Nigeria has the third-largest HIV burden globally, following Mozambique and South Africa, with an HIV prevalence of 2.9% among pregnant women.

The chairman emphasized the importance of HIV testing at least twice during pregnancy—during antenatal care and at the time of labor. He explained that early detection allows for the administration of antiretroviral drugs, significantly reducing the risk of transmitting the virus to the unborn child.

“Ending AIDS requires prioritizing and engaging everyone affected by HIV, especially vulnerable populations such as children, men who have sex with men, transgender individuals, sex workers, and people in closed settings. This is essential for an effective and sustainable response to HIV that respects the right to health,” Adetunji stated.

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Speaking on this year’s World AIDS Day theme, “Take the Right Paths: Sustain HIV Response and Stop HIV Among Children,” Adetunji outlined various week-long activities planned by OYSACA. These events aim to raise awareness, involve stakeholders, and reduce the stigma faced by people living with HIV/AIDS.

The chairman also addressed the significant challenges of discrimination and stigma, noting that those living with the disease often face barriers in healthcare, education, and employment. He called for societal support to create a more inclusive environment, ensuring the rights and dignity of people living with HIV/AIDS.

Adetunji urged the public to take advantage of free HIV testing offered during World AIDS Day events and contribute to the global goal of ending HIV/AIDS by 2030. By protecting the rights of all individuals and reducing new infections, he said, an AIDS-free generation is achievable.