In a unified effort to strengthen Oyo State’s response to HIV, tuberculosis (TB), gender inequality, and human rights violations, the Oyo State Agency for the Control of AIDS (OYSACA), in collaboration with The Global Fund has convened a high-level stakeholders’ meeting in Ibadan.
At the event that brought key actors from different segments like the ministries of health, women affairs, and justice, alongside Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), healthcare professionals, community leaders, security agencies, and advocacy groups; Oyo State NOA bawled out the need for a collaborative action to tide over multifaceted challenges of HIV, TB ,gender inequality and human rights violations in Oyo state.
Representing the State Director NOA, Mrs Sinmiat Ajolayo Akande, was the
Deputy Director , Health and Social Care in the agency, Mr Babatunde Ogundipe, who delivered a searing goodwill message.
The NOA director said “A successful HIV and TB response goes beyond medicine — it requires equity, inclusion, and a shift in societal mindset.We must break the silence on stigma and embrace community-led pragmatic solutions
Earlier in his welcome address, Mr. Wale Falana, Coordinating Director of OYSACA, emphasized the importance of partnership, policy reform, and resource mobilization in the collective fight against HIV and TB.
The meeting therefore suggested that a novel committee will be set up to address issues of stigma, gender-based violence, expired post-exposure treatment, and gaps in psychosocial support.
The stakeholders also unanimously agreed on the need to extend HIV, TB, and rights-related services to local governments to improve access, especially in the not too developed backcountry.
The germane issues of Legal and Human Rights Advocacy were also broached upon with emphasis to protect the rights of all individuals — regardless of gender identity , health status, or any other form of discrimination.
The need for continuous capacity building of health workers, law enforcement, and divisional officers was reaffirmed to promote rights-based and empathetic handling of health and gender-related cases while
Sustainable Financing/ state backing of the current programs covering 15 local governments was also explored.
Community ownership of the program and concomitatnt accountability drive to sustain grassroots involvement were also captured
Essentially, the need to steer clear of discrimination within healthcare settings, importance of confidentiality, gender sensitivity, and improved access to TB/ HiV drugs were thoroughly dissected.
The meeting concluded with a shared pledge from all sectors to transition from dialogue to deliberate, sustained action in overcoming the aforementioned challenges.
