In a unified effort to strengthen Oyo State鈥檚 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 on Wednesday convened a high-level stakeholders鈥 meeting at Koltotel Hotel, Ikolaba, Ibadan.
The 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, advocacy group, National Orientation Agency (NOA) and others.
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 the state.
Representing the State Director NOA, Mrs Sinmiat Ajolayo Akande, was theDeputy Director, Health and Social Care in the agency, Mr Babatunde Ogundipe, who delivered a searing goodwill message.
According to him, 鈥淎 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鈥.
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.
鈥淭he 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
鈥淪ustainable Financing/ state backing of the current programs covering 15 local governments was also explored.
鈥淐ommunity ownership of the program and concomitatnt acountability drive to sustain grassroots involvement were also captured
鈥淓ssentially, 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鈥.
The meeting concluded with a shared pledge from all sectors to transition from dialogue to deliberate, sustained action in overcoming the aforementioned challenges.