By Evelyn Omotoye
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In its avowed commitment towards HIV/AIDS prevention and control,  the Ondo State Government has announced that its HIV Testing Service Team would continue to render mobile services to all and sundry in the state at their doorstep.

The Secretary to the State Government (SSG)  and Chairman, Ondo State Agency for the Control of AIDS (ODSACA), Hon Ifedayo Abegunde stated this at the symposium organised by the agency to commemorate the 2018 World AIDS Day held in Akure.

According to the SSG, the theme for this year’s celebration which is : “Know Your Status” is a clarion call for concerted efforts at ensuring that no individual is left behind regardless of status, religion, ethnicity or political inclination.

His words: “It behoves on us  to work towards broadening access to information and essential services. The national emphasis for this year’s celebration is: ‘Know your HIV Status, and it is to highlight the significance of HIV testing service as a veritable preventing method”.

The ODSACA chairman who highlighted some of the challenges confronting the fight against the scourge, pointed out  the most pressing one is the overarching need to stem the tide of new infections in the state.

He said that it is very imperative for all stakeholders to brace up and address the challenges through unity of purpose and relevant partnership across the board.

“The Akeredolu led administration has continued to give technical and financial support through ODSACA  to public line ministries, Local Committee on AIDS, Civil Society as well as faith based Organisation, among all the agency’s umbrella bodies and constituencies to strengthen functional synergy”,

The wife of Ondo State Governor, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu Akeredolu in her keynote address stated that the year’s theme underscores the stakeholders’ collective commitment towards winning the  battle if everyone make the necessary effort to know their HIV status.

Mrs Akeredolu who was represented by the Special Assistant to the Governor on Special Duties, Mr. Henry Adegbemile stated:  “The day is a significant one as it helps to re-awaken us to the reality of an epidemic that is threatening human existence on earth.

“It also emphasis the critical need for universal access to HIV related services by removing all forms of stigmatisation and discrimination in our society.