By Josephine Oguntoyinbo
|
The Ondo State Agency for the Control of Aids (ODSACA) in conjunction with APIN Public Health initiative yesterday launched “KP One Stop Shop” at the State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development in Akure.
The official launch and take off of the center is tailored towards providing comprehensive health care to people living with HIV under one roof.
Commissioning the Centre on behalf of the State Government, Secretary to the State Government and the Chairman ODSACA, Princess Oladunni Odu posited that the centre will no doubt ensure easy access of care to the key population in a safe environment which include, diagnosis, counseling, treatment among others under one roof.
According to her, over 23,000 persons have been placed on treatment out of the over 26,000 persons diagnosed to be living with HIV, leaving a gap of over 3,000 in the state.
The SSG affirmed that the take off of the center is apt and timely towards achieving the set goals, saying that the mechanism and prevention the ODSACA has put in place to reduce the virus to the barest minimum is commendable.
She emphasized the need for people to be cautious and responsible so as to further reduce the prevalence in the state, assuring that sensitisation will continue to be intensified in fighting it headlong..
Also,the State Head of Service, Pastor Kayode Ogundele in his goodwill message stressed the need for people to make themselves available for test so as to know their status for early treatment, assuring that government will not sack any workers living with the disease.
The State Commissioner for Health,Dr Olabanji Ajaka who was represented by Mrs Elizabeth Kunlere said establishing the center is a good development in tackling HIV in the state., adding that HIV/AIDS is a challenge that needs to be taken with all seriousness.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Project Manager ODSACA, Dr Adedayo Adegbulu noted that the idea of “One stop shop” has come to stay in the state, informing that it will also be replicated in the other senatorial districts of the State.
The representatives of APIN, Dr Olabanjo Ogunsola and Dr Abimbola Ariyo affirmed that the organization enjoyed a smooth partnership with the state government in the last six years saying that with a team spirit,the set goal would further be achieved.
According to them, to achieve epidemic control,there must also be equity and fairness.
Others including, the State Commissioner for women affairs, Special Adviser to the State Governor on health, Civil societies,Ondo NEPWHAN, representatives of key population community members among others commended the initiative which according to them is a landmark achievement in the State.
