In a move to sustain gains in the fight against HIV/AIDS, the Ekiti State Government, in partnership with the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), has convened a three-day Strategic Stakeholders Planning (SSP) meeting in Ado-Ekiti to shape the 2025–2027 Ekiti State Strategic HIV Response Plan.
The meeting brought together a cross-section of key players, including government officials, civil society organisations, healthcare professionals, development partners and community leaders, to deepen coordination and refine strategies in the state’s HIV response.
Delivering a message on behalf of the First Lady of Ekiti State, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, her Editorial Assistant, Mrs. Omolara Aina, lauded the dedication of stakeholders and affirmed that the initiative aligns with the First Lady’s vision for a healthier and more inclusive society while encouraging the participants to sustain collaboration and compassion
Also delivering goodwill remarks, the Head of Service, Dr. Folakemi Olomojobi, represented by a Director in her office, Mr. L.T. Alesin, emphasised the importance of accurate information and community awareness in stemming the spread of HIV.
“When citizens are well-informed, they make safer choices. Let us continue to prioritise education, prevention, and access to treatment,” she said.
Welcoming participants, the Executive Secretary of the Ekiti State Agency for the Control of AIDS (EKSACA), Dr. Dairo Ojo, described the meeting as a critical step in strengthening the state’s strategic direction and coordination of HIV interventions.
A data-driven presentation by the lead consultant, Dr. Gbenga, highlighted both progress and areas requiring urgent attention.
While overall HIV prevalence in Ekiti remains below 1%, concerning trends persist among key populations, with prevalence rates of 25% among men who have sex with men (MSM), 15.5% among female sex workers (FSW) and 10.9% among people who inject drugs (PWID).
Despite these challenges, notable progress has been recorded in the state, with over 330,000 residents having undergone HIV testing, while more than 120,000 young people have been reached with HIV education and prevention messages.
Representing NACA headquarters in Abuja, Assistant Chief Programme Officer, Mrs. Rasidat Jogbojogbo, stressed the need for state-level ownership of HIV/AIDS programmes.
She advocated integration of HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria services and urged preparedness for shifts in international donor support to ensure sustainability.
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment among participants to drive an inclusive, evidence-based, and impactful HIV response.
