HIV/AIDS: Oyo state plans rapid response mechanism for patients

In Oyo state, people living with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) will get better medical attention as the Oyo State Agency for the Control of AIDS (OYSACA) revolutionises and mobilises resources to stem medical, legal and emotional abuse of patients.

Analysis shows that the Nigeria has increasing rate of stigmatisation across the state and in the courts, stressing that people living with the challenges merited enjoying all rights as citizens of the country.

Obatunde Oladapo, the OYSACA executive secretary, disclosed this in Ibadan, the state capital during an advocacy visit to the state commissioner for women affairs, community development, social welfare and poverty alleviation.

“The highest percentages of people living with HIV are women; the state government had promulgated a law against stigmatising PLWHIV as part of efforts to stem the trend.

“The level of stigma against persons living with HIV (PLWHIV) in the state has reduced drastically in relative terms compared to other states, the low level of stigma was a result of adequate sensitisation and enlightenment programmes on the scourge,” said Oladapo.

He said that the people of the state were now more informed about the ills of HIV/AIDS, saying they now understand the need to support PLWHIV and stop discriminating against them.

According to Atinuke Osunkoya, the State Commissioner for Women Affairs, who commended the management of OYSACA for a new improved agency.

Osunkoya explained that protecting the rights of vulnerable people and less privileged in the state was a major concern of the ministry.

“We are passionate about the welfare of women and children in the state. Together, we can truly reduce the scourge of violence against vulnerable children and women in the state and the country at large,” she said.

AKINREMI FEYISIPO, Ibadan