Oyo Govt Calls for Deepened Partnership and Accountability in HIV Response

The Oyo State Government has emphasized the need for strengthened collaboration and accountability in the State’s HIV response across the State.

This call was made by the Chairman, Oyo State Agency for the Control of AIDS (OYSACA), Aare Dr. Gbola Adetunji, at the recent quarterly Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) meeting of the Local Action Committee on AIDS-State Agency for the Control of AIDS (LACA/SACA) and other stakeholders held at the Agency’s Conference Room.

While expressing his delight at the robust representation of all 33 LACA Managers and strategic implementing partners, the Chairman noted that their collaborations have helped drive progress in HIV response in the State.

Adetunji highlighted notable improvements in HIV testing services, treatment coverage, PMTCT, community mobilization, and linkage to care, while also acknowledging emerging gaps around service integration, sustainability, data quality, community ownership, and resource optimization.

The OYSACA Chairman then charged LACA Managers and stakeholders to actively participate in the meeting, share lessons, highlight challenges, and propose workable solutions, emphasizing the importance of local ownership, efficient coordination, and community participation in ensuring sustainability.

“We must continue to work as one unified structure to ensure our M&E systems remain reliable and interventions reach those who need them most,” he said.

Adetunji appreciated the leadership of Engr. Seyi Makinde in ensuring the Agency attains its target to end HIV/AIDS by 2030, noting that the Governor had gracefully approved a huge sum of funds for purchasing kits, which the Agency would purchase very soon.

He said “I am also pleased to inform this gathering that His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Oyo State has graciously given the approval for the procurement of HIV Test Kits and Consumables which in the next two months will be available.”

“This is a major step towards bridging existing gaps and ensuring that no client in need of testing or follow-up service is denied care.” The Chairman added

He  acknowledged and appreciated the leadership of the Oyo State Primary Healthcare Board for their sponsorship and support in making the meeting a reality.

Earlier in his remark, the Coordinating Director of the Agency, Dr. Wale Falana, stated that the meeting aimed to deepen partnership, accountability, and review performance, aligning interventions at facility and community levels.

The OYSACA’s Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Mr. AbdulWahab Taiwo, made a presentation on “LACA Coordinating Authority and Structure at the Local Government,” where he elaborated on the functions and duties of LACA Managers as the multi-sectoral coordinating entity for HIV/AIDS response at the local government level, which includes ensuring coherent interventions, facilitating and coordinating HIV activities, and advocating mainstreaming of HIV interventions.

*E-Signed

Prince Dotun Oyelade,

Hon.Commisioner for Information,

Oyo State.