31,000 Tested Positive For HIV In Ogun – SACA

ABEOKUTA – The Chairman, HIV Prevention Technical Working Group in Ogun State, Mr. Tayo Akinpelu has said that over 31,000 registered people are currently living with HIV/AIDS in the state.

Mr. Akinpelu disclosed this on Wednesday while speaking with The Encounter News in his office.

Akinpelu while speaking on the theme of this year’s celebration, “overcoming distraction, transforming the AIDS response,” identified funding as one of the major challenges in the fight against the spread of the deadly virus, describing the withdrawal of the United States from funding HIV prevention as serious concern.

He said curtailing the widespread of the scourge became almost difficult because most affected victims are unable to get tested and treatment following the withdrawal of United States support fund which contributed to about 90% funding of the treament.

Mr. Akinpelu stated that Ogun State responded by strengthening Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) programmes, ensuring pregnant women are tested and treated, adding that over 99% success has been achieved in preventing mother-to-child transmission.

According to him, the state also focuses on viral suppression, with 86% of people on antiretroviral therapy (ART) adhering to treatment noting that 31,000 people are currently on ART across 43 treatment centers.

Mr. Akinpelu emphasized the importance of knowing one’s status, taking medication, and showing love to those living with HIV.

“HIV is not a disease, it’s a virus,” he said, adding that an HIV-free generation is possible with collective effort.

He said, “The part of the things they work upon is to plan for 2025 world AIDS day as a team of overcoming distractions, sustaining the response. The last few months, we have heard a lot of challenges in terms of funding for HIV AIDS. World AIDS day is celebrated on December 1st every year to create awareness and renew commitment to ending HIV.”