By Emmanuel Oluwadola

The Ondo State Agency for the Control of AIDS (ODSACA) has stressed the need for collaboration against unlawful raids and discrimination of individuals with HIV/AIDS in the state.

ODSACA Project Manager, Dr. Dayo Adegbulu stated this during a visit to the State Commissioner of Police in Akure seeking support to curb HIV/AIDS spread among key populations. This is part of activities marking the 2023 World AIDS Day.

World AIDS Day which is celebrated globally on December 1, raises awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by HIV infections.

Adegbulu emphasised that this year’s awareness is aimed at informing residents that the fight against AIDS is ongoing.

He revealed that in Ondo State, 27,678 individuals are undergoing treatment, surpassing the estimated 26,870.

He lamented that the activities of female sex workers and other key populations contribute to more infections, pledging ongoing engagement to achieve epidemic control.

A legal practitioner, Mr Egwa Elabi highlighted that key populations constitute a percentage of the 39 million global AIDS cases.

He urged the police to reduce raids, discrimination, and violence against people with AIDS, as it could hinder efforts to stop the spread.

“People with AIDS have their fundamental human rights and this must not be violated. The key populations are people injecting drugs, female sex workers, men sleeping with men, transgenders, and people in custody. Their relationship with the Police can either scare them away leading to more spread or help reduce the number of people affected,” he said.

Responding, State Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Asabi embraced the visit, emphasising the police’s responsibility to protect lives.

He pledged support for agencies combating HIV/AIDS spread without discrimination.

Asabi affirmed that the police raid ensured adherence to laws and promised cooperation with agencies working to halt HIV/AIDS spread in the state.

“What goes around comes around, if we do not support agencies fighting the course. People need to be enlightened. Even, there are children of 18 years who fall in the categories of people affected.

“The key population have their right and freedom as humans and we do not violate that. When we raid, we make them know they don’t have the freedom to inject themselves or continue with illegal practices”, CP said.

Representatives from the Association of Public Health Initiative (APIN) and ODSACA officials joined the visit, and presented anti-HIV/AIDS materials to the Commissioner.