Ondo experts urge action to curb HIV/AIDS

By Kemi Olatunde
To prevent the transmission of HIV/AIDS in Ondo State, experts have emphasized the need for community engagement and a conducive environment for patients to access treatment.

The Chairman of the Ondo State Hospitals’ Management Board (HMB), Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti, made this call during a courtesy visit to the Ondo State Agency for the Control of AIDS (ODSACA) in Akure on Tuesday. He was accompanied by other board members, including Nurse Arinola Adamolekun, Dr. Rotimi Wilson, and Pharmacist Taiwo Adefurin.
According to Dr. Fasoranti, engaging key populations and ensuring access to treatment would encourage more patients to seek care and reduce HIV transmission.
Expressing concerns over the impact of U.S. President Donald Trump’s suspension of funding for the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), he noted that HIV intervention programs have been instrumental in curbing transmission.
He urged the Federal Government (FG) to take immediate action to prevent the emergence of new HIV strains in Nigeria.
He also called on the FG to eliminate bureaucratic delays and ensure prompt treatment for patients during this critical period.
In response, Dr. Dayo Adegbulu, Director of ODSACA, revealed that over 21,000 HIV patients are currently on treatment in Ondo State, while 28,343 people are living with the virus.
He stressed the urgent need for the state government to implement strategies to maintain the availability of HIV drugs.
“There is a major crisis at hand. Both federal and state governments must prioritize healthcare funding,” Dr. Adegbulu stated.
He warned that the suspension of support from international partners poses a significant threat to HIV treatment programs.
“If these partners withdraw completely, it will severely impact the healthcare system. Currently, around 1.5 million people in Nigeria rely on HIV medications, all of which are imported. Key populations, including transgender individuals, incarcerated persons, and pregnant women, must be considered in our treatment strategies,” he added.
Dr. Adegbulu also highlighted that many HIV-positive elites seek treatment in other states, underscoring the need for improved logistics to ensure drug availability in Ondo State.
“Patients cannot afford to wait for out-of-stock situations since these medications are not available over the counter,” he cautioned.
He called for collaboration among Southern state governors to retain HIV patients within the region and maintain uninterrupted treatment.
It is worth noting that just days ago, U.S. President Donald Trump halted PEPFAR funding, sending shockwaves through global HIV/AIDS programs.
Reports indicate that since its inception in 2003, PEPFAR has invested over $85 billion in the fight against HIV/AIDS, saving more than 17 million lives across 54 countries.
In Nigeria alone, the U.S. government has contributed over $6 billion to the national HIV/AIDS response, significantly improving efforts to combat the epidemic.
However, recent developments have raised serious concerns about the future of Nigeria’s HIV/AIDS programs.