Oyo State Government through the State Agency for the Control of AIDs (OYSACA) has reiterated its commitment to strengthening coordination and improving the effectiveness of HIV/AIDS interventions across the State through enhanced collaboration with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), and key population networks.

Speaking on Wednesday at a stakeholders’ coordinating meeting held at the OYSACA Conference Room, the Coordinating Director of the Agency, Dr. Wale Falana, emphasized the critical role of non-governmental actors in driving community-level HIV response and achieving sustainable health outcomes in Oyo State.

Dr. Falana noted that OYSACA, as the government-mandated coordinating body established by law, is responsible for overseeing and harmonizing all HIV/AIDS-related activities in the State. He explained that the Agency is empowered to register and coordinate all CBOs and NGOs working on HIV/AIDS, in line with national guidelines that provide for structured coordination mechanisms, including forums that integrate networks and civil society actors.

According to him, effective engagement and coordination of these organizations are essential to ensuring a unified and impactful response to the HIV epidemic.

He stressed the need to resuscitate and strengthen existing coordination platforms to promote best practices, eliminate duplication of efforts, and ensure optimal utilization of resources.

“The importance of having a unified front among CBOs and Networks in Oyo State cannot be overstated. Strengthening coordination mechanisms will not only improve service delivery at the community level but also enhance linkages with health facilities and other stakeholders,” Dr. Falana stated.

Dr. Falana highlighted the framework of the OYSACA-CSOs Networks Forum, designed to serve as a platform for coordination, information sharing, and performance review among stakeholders.

He explained that the Forum will bring together representatives from recognized national networks and relevant stakeholders, including NEPWHAN, CISHAN, the National Youth Network on HIV/AIDS (NYNETHA), faith-based organizations, youth groups, key population representatives, and other implementing partners. The Partnership Coordination Department of OYSACA will chair the Forum, while the Agency will serve as its secretariat.

Dr. Falana further disclosed that the Forum will meet quarterly, with provisions for emergency meetings when necessary, to assess progress, address challenges, and strengthen strategic alignment among stakeholders.

He outlined the core responsibilities of the Forum to include facilitating interaction between OYSACA and CSOs, assessing implementation of work plans, identifying capacity gaps, providing technical guidance, reviewing performance in HIV response, and ensuring effective dissemination of information from key coordination platforms such as the State Council on AIDS.

The Coordinating Director also underscored the importance of accountability and effective reporting within the Forum, urging members to cascade decisions and outcomes to their respective constituencies to ensure inclusiveness and transparency in the State’s HIV response.

Reaffirming the Agency’s commitment, Dr. Falana called on all stakeholders to deepen collaboration and sustain collective efforts toward reducing the burden of HIV/AIDS in Oyo State.

State coordinators of the Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN), Association of Women Living with HIV in Nigeria (ASWHAN), Civil Society on HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (CISHAN), and other key Population groups later briefed the Agency on their ongoing activities and interventions across Oyo State.

The meeting concluded with a renewed resolve among participants to strengthen partnerships, improve coordination, and align strategies for a more impactful and cost-effective HIV response across the State.

E-Signed

Honourable Commissioner for Information,

Prince Dotun Oyelade

The Oyo State Government, through the Oyo State Agency for the Control of AIDS (OYSACA), has conducted an integrated outreach programme at Ajegunle Market in Atiba Local Government Area of Oyo Town.

The outreach which featured free HIV testing, malaria testing and tuberculosis (TB) screening for traders and residents, was part of efforts to scale up health interventions at the grassroots and strengthen disease prevention.

Speaking during the exercise, the Coordinating Director of OYSACA, Dr. Wale Falana, explained that the programme was designed to bring critical health interventions closer to the people, particularly traders and residents who may have limited time or access to conventional health facilities.

He noted that the outreach featured free HIV testing, malaria testing, and tuberculosis screening, alongside the provision of prescribed medications for those requiring immediate care.

According to him, any individual who tests positive for HIV will be promptly linked to designated treatment centres for further management and support.

Dr. Falana emphasized that knowing one’s health status, especially HIV status, remains a crucial step in prevention and effective management.

He encouraged members of the public to embrace regular testing and adopt responsible health practices, including avoiding unprotected sexual activities, refraining from sharing sharp objects, and steering clear of other behaviours that increase the risk of infection.

The Coordinating Director also expressed appreciation to the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, for creating an enabling environment for the implementation of impactful health interventions across the State.

“When we talk about HIV response, it involves three critical stakeholders, the citizens, Government, and health workers. As health workers, we are committed to delivering quality services, and we acknowledge the Government’s unwavering support in ensuring that these interventions reach the grassroots,” he stated.

In his remarks, the Chairman of Atiba Local Government, Hon. Wahab Waliu Adetunji, represented by the Supervisory Councillor for Health, Hon. Salau Musa, commended Governor Makinde for prioritizing the health and well-being of residents.

He described the outreach as timely and beneficial, particularly for vulnerable members of the community who may not be able to afford medical services.

Similarly, the Babaloja of Ajegunle Market, Mr. Rasak Oyelayo, and the Iyaloja, Alhaja Fasilatu Motunrayo, lauded the Agency for bringing the integrated health campaign directly to the market.

They noted that the initiative would significantly benefit traders and the wider community, especially those facing financial constraints in accessing healthcare services.

The outreach underscores OYSACA’s continued resolve to scale up community-based interventions, promote early detection, and ensure that residents of the State have equitable access to preventive, diagnostic, and treatment services.

E-signed:

Prince Dotun Oyelade,

Commissioner for Information,

Oyo State.

…as 2025 World AIDS Day Approaches

The Oyo State Government has called for renewed commitment and collective actions in the fight against HIV/AIDS across the State.

This call was made by the Chairman, Oyo State Agency for the Control of AIDS (OYSACA), Dr. Gbola Adetunji, on Tuesday in Ibadan while speaking on activities lined-up for the commemoration of this year’s World AIDS Day (2025 WAD).

Dr. Adetunji noted that this year’s World AIDS Day themed, “Overcoming Disruption: Sustaining Nigeria’s HIV Response,” underlines the need for unity and accountability in ending the epidemic.

He emphasized on prevention, awareness, and sustained support for People Living with HIV (PLHIV).

Adetunji reiterated the Agency’s commitment to strengthen the fight against HIV/AIDS.

He highlighted the significant strides made by the State at reducing HIV prevalence and raised concerns about new infections, particularly among young people.

Dr. Gbola Adetunji explained that the current administration in the State, under the leadership of Governor ‘Seyi Makinde, has continued to prioritize HIV services through improved access to treatment and adequate awareness on transmission and prevention.

He said that, “Over the years, we’ve made significant strides in increasing access to HIV testing, treatment, and care.”

“Our state has recorded a notable decrease in new infections, thanks to the tireless efforts of our healthcare workers, community leaders, and individuals living with HIV.”

“We’ve strengthened our prevention programs, focusing on education, condom distribution, and mother-to-child transmission prevention.”

“We also thank the State Government for the allocation and enrollment of 10,000 Health Insurance Scheme slots from the State Health Insurance Agency OYSHIA) to the People Living With HIV ” He concluded.

The Coordinating Director of the Agency, Dr. Wale Falana, stated that OYSACA will embark on a State-wide awareness walk, HIV counseling and free testing services, school and market outreach, media engagement, and Community Dialogue as part of the commemoration of this year’s World AIDs Day to deepen understanding and reduce stigma.

He enjoined the people of the State to prioritize their health by making judicious use of the free testing and counseling, seeking accurate information, and utilizing available services.

Dr. Falana opined that ignorance and stigma remain major obstacles to ending HIV/AIDS.

He said that “Oyo State Government has a law in place since 2016 -Oyo State 2016 Anti-Discrimination and Stigma Law on HIV/AIDs- which make it a criminal offense to stigmatize or discriminate against People Living With HIV and AIDs.”

“So we need to be very careful because there is a fine and even a jail term”, he added.

E-signed:

Prince Dotun Oyelade,
Hon. Commissioner for Information,
Oyo State.

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.

…inaugurates OYSACA Ambassadors

The Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde has approved the sum of ₦45 million for the Oyo State Agency for the Control of AIDS (OYSACA) to further  curb the spreading of HIV/AIDS across the State.

The Governor, spoke through his Deputy, Barr. Bayo Lawal disclosed this on recently at the inauguration ceremony of OYSACA Ambassadors, held at the OYSACA Conference Room, Agodi, Ibadan.

He explained that the funds alongside the recent approval of the purchase of HIV test kits are targeted at strengthening Agency’s capacity to combat the epidemic.

The Governor, while inaugurating the ambassadors, including, Chief (Dr.) Saka Balogun; Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu; Chief (Mrs.) Mutiat Ladoja; Alhaji Rasaq Adeleke; Hon. Wale Saminu and Hon. Shina Peller, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving public health and reducing the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in the State.

He said that the ambassadors, who were carefully selected will assist in raising awareness and support the Government in its efforts to fight HIV/AIDS in the State.

He congratulated the newly appointed Ambassadors and admonished them to lend their influence and networks to the campaign against the spread of HIV/AIDS.

“The inauguration of these ambassadors  marks a significant milestone in our collective journey towards a future where HIV/AIDS is no longer a public health threat.

“As an ambassador, you are not just a representative; you are the champions of change, you are the voices for those who have been silent, the beacon of hope for those in darkness, and the catalyst in a more inclusive and compassionate society.

“Your roles will inspire truth, promote education, and ultimately save lives.

“I commend OYSACA for these initiatives, which underscore the importance of  community engagement and leadership in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Your efforts will undoubtedly contribute to  reducing stigma, increasing awareness, and ensuring everyone has access to HIV prevention, treatment, and care.

“The Governor put a man of experience, Dr. Gbola Adetunji, in charge of this agency. We sought  him because of his tremendous experience in the area of healthcare deliveries, not only in Oyo State but in Nigeria.

“And to give effect to the assignment given to him, the Government has recently approved the purchase of HIV/AIDS test kits so that it will aid or assist the ambassadors we are inaugurating today. “Secondly, the Government has just approved the release of 45 million naira to the agency for furtherance of the activities of the agency.

“As we embark on the journey together, let us work tirelessly to ensure that our efforts yield tangible results that will leave no one behind. Let us strive to create an environment where everyone feels empowered to make informed decisions about their health and where those living with HIV/AIDS are supported and embraced The present administration has made health one of the pillars since the first term and also as part of the sustainable development program in the Omituntun 2.0.

“The ambassadors are carefully selected; it is not just a random picking to be our ambassador to drive this project, and I thank you for accepting to serve.

“They are eminent personalities who have impacted  our society positively, and we want them to barely give more to the society.

Earlier in his welcome address, the chairman of OYSACA, Dr. Gbola Adetunji commended the Governor’s proactive approach, stressing that the funds would enhance the agency’s capacity to reach high-risk populations and deliver life-saving services more effectively.

He said the inauguration of the Ambassadors was a new chapter in the annals of the agency to seek further cooperation between the Government and distinguished individuals to enhance the fight against HIV/AIDS in the State.

He appreciated the commissioner for health, all the development partners, Global Fund, APIN, Society for Family Health, and a host of others for their various support for the agency.

The newly inaugurated Ambassadors pledged their support for the initiative, promising to use their platforms to educate, inform, and mobilize communities in the fight against stigma and the spread of the virus.

E-signed:

Prince Dotun Oyelade,

Commissioner for Information and Orientation,

Oyo State.

The Association of Community Health Practitioners  of Nigeria  (ACHPN), Oyo State Chapter has commenced a two- day orientation retreat for 1,150 newly recruited Community Health practitioners across the 33 Local Government Health Authorities in the State.

The retreat, which was kicked off yesterday at the House of Chiefs, Old Parliament Building, Secretariat, Ibadan, aims to equip the new officers with the requisite knowledge, ethics, and values necessary to enhance healthcare delivery at the grassroots level.

In her opening remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Ibarapa Zone, Mrs. Tolulope Olushola-Jimoh, emphasized the importance of the retreat in familiarizing the participants with civil service rules and regulations.

As Chairperson of the Association, Oyo State Chapter, Mrs. Olushola- Jimoh urged the practitioners to discharge their duties with decorum, responsibility, and a strong sense of accountability, while upholding professionalism, compassion, and active community engagement.

Olushola-Jimoh reiterated the commitment of Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration to building a people-centered healthcare system, stressing that the newly recruited officers have a critical role to play in achieving this goal.

“As worthy ambassadors of the State, you are expected to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity in your interactions with the public,” she added.

In his remarks, the Secretary of the Association, Mr. Awojobi H. Adebiyi, highlighted that the retreat is tailored to help the practitioners understand their roles and responsibilities.

He noted that Governor Makinde’s expectations are high, and the newly recruited officers must deliver ethical and professional healthcare services in their respective postings.

“We are orienting them to embrace what is right, uphold professional standards, and avoid misconduct in the field,” he added.

The retreat had two major sessions, intimating the newly employed on civil service rules and discipline while the second session discussed fully on ethical standards and professionalism in service provision.

The two-day retreat is designed to provide the participants with a comprehensive understanding of their duties, as well as the skills and knowledge required to deliver high-quality healthcare services to the people of Oyo State.

The Oyo State chapter of the National Association of Community Health Practitioners has expressed its heartfelt gratitude to Governor Seyi Makinde for appointing one of its members, Mrs. Olushola-Jimoh Tolulope Adebanke, as a Permanent Secretary.

In a statement signed by the association’s secretary, Awojobi Hezekiah Adebiyi, the group described the appointment as a landmark achievement, noting that it is the first time a member of the association has been appointed to such a position in the State.

“The appointment is a landmark achievement of the Association as no one had ever been so appointed among the members in the State.” the statement read

The association praised Governor Makinde’s commitment to effective primary health care services in the State, evident in the human and structural development in the State. They also commended the Governor for providing a level playing field for all applicants during the selection process.

“The appointment is an indication that every applicant was given a level-play ground in the preliminary process. This was not taken for granted as it was seen as a golden opportunity for less-recognized Cadre of workers in the State.”

In appreciation of the Governor’s gesture, the association promised to reciprocate with increased commitment and efficiency in healthcare services across the 33 local government areas of the State.

“Your Excellency Sir, your administration is prayed a higher level of achievement and fulfillment in Your cardinal development strides.” the statement concluded.

Oyo State Government through the Agency for the Control of AIDS (OYSACA) and the State Health Insurance Agency (OYSHIA) has started the enrollment of indigent People Living With HIV across the State into its free basic healthcare scheme.

The registration for the Scheme which took place recently at OYSACA’s conference room and at the Zonal offices of OYSHIA across the six geopolitical zones in the State, is under the Basic Health Provision Funds, an initiative of the Federal Government set aside to cater for the health needs of vulnerable people and poorest among the poor in the society.

While addressing the journalists, the Executive Secretary, Oyo State Agency for the Control of AIDS (OYSACA), Dr. Lanre Abass stated that one of the cardinal areas that the Agency is working on is to make sure that it brings succor to the People Living With HIV (PLWIHV) in the State.

“In doing this we approached the OYSHIA so that our people living with HIV especially the poor among them will be able to access free medical services paid for by the State Government through the poorest of the poor program under the Basic Health Care Fund and thank God that is what we are doing today.” Dr Abass noted.

He expressed his gratitude to the Executive Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde for granting the Agency’s wish by extending the dividends of democracy to PLHIV in the State.

“I want to appreciate the Governor through his wife, our Chairperson, Engr. Mrs Tamunominini Makinde, he has been a man of people.” He said.

“He has been showing passion for the lives of the citizens of Oyo State through many programmatic interventions and this is one of them.

People Living With HIV in the State are not forgotten and not neglected, their health is also a major concern to the Governor.” Dr. Abass added.

The Executive Secretary enjoined the beneficiaries of the program (PLWIHV) to make proper use of it and not to abuse it.

“It is only when you need services that you should access it” everybody needs to, to ensure efficiency, continuity and  sustainability, he urged.

The representative of OYSHIA who is the desk officer for the Agency, Miss Orimadegun Bolatito explained that after the capturing the details of the beneficiaries, Identity Cards would be issued to them and they would be assigned into various facilities across the State where they can get treatment for whatever ailment they may be suffering from.

Orimadegun hinted that the scheme covered the basic minimum health package set at Federal Level which includes both primary and secondary services.

“If we have needs for referral, we have our general hospitals all over the State to handle secondary services, they would be referred and they would be treated for the secondary services if that is necessary.” She said.

Appreciating the Governor, on behalf of People Living With HIV in the State, the State Coordinator, the Network of People Living With HIV and AIDs in Nigeria (NEPWHAN), Mr. Olawale Faith urged his people to make good use of the opportunity bestowed on them by the Governor.

Olawale said “I want to thank the Governor for given us this opportunity, for considering us, for supporting our people in that area, we appreciate His Excellency so much and we pray that God will continue to bless him and renew his strength.