The Ekiti State government has unveiled a new three-year HIV/AIDS strategic plan, outlining an ambitious effort to reduce new infections and improve the quality of life for residents, as officials and stakeholders called for a coordinated push to eliminate the disease in the state.
The plan, developed by the Ekiti State AIDS Control Agency, sets out priorities for prevention, treatment, care and support services between 2025 and 2027, and is the product of extensive consultations with health experts, development partners and community groups.
At a dissemination meeting held in Ado-Ekiti, the Wife of the State Governor, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, said tackling HIV/AIDS required collective responsibility.
Represented by the Director General Bureau of Civic Orientation and Citizenship, Mrs. Olawumi Famuyiwa, she described the strategy as a “critical roadmap” toward achieving an AIDS-free Ekiti, and urged stakeholders to intensify awareness campaigns, reduce stigma and deepen community engagement.
She urged stakeholders to intensify efforts in awareness creation, stigma reduction and community engagement.
The State Commissioner for health and human services, Dr. Oyebanji Filani, who declared the meeting open, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the health sector and combating HIV/AIDS.
He lauded the efforts of the Ekiti State Action Committee on AIDS(SACA) and its partners, calling for sustained collaboration, accountability and commitment to the plan’s goals.
In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of SACA, Dr. Dairo Ojo, underscored the importance of inclusive interventions, particularly for women, children and other vulnerable populations.
He urged development partners and donor agencies to align their programmes with the new strategy to ensure effective implementation and measurable impact.
Dr. Gbenga Adesunloro, a consultant involved in drafting the document, said the plan was grounded in evidence-based approaches and designed to strengthen service delivery across the state’s health system.
Also speaking, Mrs. Maryam Yusuf of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS commended the agency and its partners for their commitment to the process, describing the plan as a significant step in the state’s HIV response.
Other officials in attendance included senior figures from the State Ministry of Health, the Hospitals’ Management Board and the State Health Insurance Scheme, alongside representatives of development organisations. Participants emphasized the need for stronger partnerships, improved data-driven interventions and sustained advocacy to end HIV/AIDS in Ekiti.
A subcommittee was constituted to review aspects of the document, as stakeholders pledged renewed commitment to meeting its targets and ensuring that no one is left behind in the state’s response to HIV/AIDS.
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