The Ogun State Government says it has achieved significant progress in reducing the prevalence of HIV and AIDS across the state.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, disclosed this on Tuesday while delivering the keynote address at the 2025 World AIDS Day commemoration, held at the Olusegun Osoba Press Centre, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta. This year’s theme is “Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response.”
Dr. Coker revealed that more than 30,000 residents are currently accessing free antiretroviral therapy at various health facilities statewide. She added that HIV testing and counselling services are now available across all 20 Local Government Areas, bringing care closer to the people.
According to her, 96 percent of residents who have been tested know their HIV status, while the state has also expanded its Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) programme—leading to more HIV-free births.
“We have strengthened our response and improved access to life-saving services,” she said. “Today in Ogun State, 96% of people living with HIV know their status, while 78% are on treatment. Over 30,000 people in Ogun State are receiving free antiretroviral therapy in our health facilities. We hope to achieve the UNAIDS 95-95-95 target by 2030.”
She also noted that at the just-concluded National Council on Health meeting, discussions were held on lowering the age for voluntary HIV testing to 14 years—a development she said was particularly relevant to Ogun, which hosts a large number of tertiary institutions.
Dr. Coker affirmed that the state continues to make meaningful progress through the commitment of OGSACA, development partners, and dedicated health workers.
She further announced that the state has developed a two-year strategic plan (2025–2027) focused on eliminating mother-to-child transmission by 2030, strengthening health systems, enhancing data-driven decision-making, promoting community-led responses, and ensuring sustainability through domestic resource mobilisation. She, however, identified stigma, declining global funding, and service disruptions as threats to ongoing efforts.
The Commissioner called on all stakeholders to intensify support to reduce HIV and AIDS to the barest minimum in Ogun State.
Speaking at the event, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Rotimi Ogungbe, stressed the importance of strengthened advocacy and honest evaluation of progress and challenges. He cited funding gaps and dwindling donor support as key obstacles in the fight against the scourge.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Kayode Oladeinde, said the World AIDS Day celebration provides an opportunity to raise awareness on combating the disease. He emphasized the need for internalisation, institutionalisation, and localisation of HIV response efforts rather than depending on external support.