In its determined bid to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030, Oyo State has launched a comprehensive action plan focused on scaling up its HIV, TB, gender, and human rights response. This strategy is part of the state's effort to manage the HIV situation and ensure widespread access to treatment across its 33 local government areas.
Dr. Lanre Abass, Executive Secretary of the Oyo State Agency for the Control of AIDS (OYSACA), emphasized during a recent stakeholders' meeting that stigma and discrimination continue to be major obstacles in the fight against HIV. These barriers impede testing, access to care, treatment adherence, and viral load suppression, all critical to ending the AIDS epidemic.
Addressing HIV and TB co-infections is key, as the two diseases often coexist, with one predisposing individuals to the other. Dr. Abass noted that the number of people living with HIV in Oyo State is estimated at 58,000, yet less than 30,000 are currently receiving treatment. This leaves approximately 28,000 individuals who remain unidentified and untreated. The state’s plan is to intensify efforts in testing and ensuring that those living with either HIV or TB are linked to the necessary treatment services.
Another crucial aspect of the action plan is addressing gender based violence and human rights abuses, which are often tied to living with HIV. Gender based violence not only exposes individuals to a higher risk of contracting HIV but also exacerbates the stigma that prevents many from seeking help. Dr. Abass highlighted that domestic violence, sexual assault, and the abuse of women living with HIV are rampant in rural areas, with many women forced out of their homes upon disclosure of their HIV status.
The link between gender based violence and HIV is evident, with cases of rape and abuse often leading to HIV transmission. Women suffering domestic violence are also at heightened risk, as abusive partners may have multiple sexual partners, increasing their likelihood of HIV infection.
In response to the human rights abuses faced by people living with HIV, the Oyo State government is also ramping up legal support and referrals for survivors. The state's Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, represented by Mrs. Tomi Popoola of the Sexual and Gender Based Violence Response Team, called for increased prosecution of offenders to curb the rising cases of gender based violence.
Oyo State’s Programme Officer for the Resilient System for Sustainable Health Development and COVID-19 Response Mechanism (RSSH C19-RM), Mr. Oluseun Adebiyi, described gender based violence as a shadow pandemic. He noted that incidents of domestic, sexual, and emotional violence have surged by 69% in Nigeria since the onset of the COVID 19 pandemic, with many cases going unreported.
The RSSH C19-RM project has played a vital role in raising awareness about gender based violence and human rights, providing referral services for survivors, and ensuring that those affected receive justice.
To successfully end AIDS by 2030, Oyo State's plan calls for a unified approach that addresses not only the medical aspects of HIV and TB but also the deep rooted social and gender issues that perpetuate the spread of the disease. The focus on human rights, legal enforcement, and support for survivors of gender-based violence marks a significant step towards breaking down barriers and ensuring that every individual has access to life-saving treatment.
As the state continues to scale up its efforts, collaboration between government agencies, healthcare providers, and community stakeholders will be key in achieving a future free of AIDS.