World AIDS Day: Oyo Urges Pregnant Women to Get HIV Tested

The Oyo State Government has called on pregnant women to register for antenatal care and undergo HIV testing to safeguard their health and prevent mother-to-child transmission of the virus.

Dr. Gbola Adetunji, Chairman of the Oyo State Agency for the Control of AIDS (OYSACA), made this appeal during a press briefing held in commemoration of the 2024 World AIDS Day. He stressed Nigeria’s significant contribution to the global HIV burden, particularly among children, citing UNICEF’s 2020 data, which reported 21,000 new child HIV infections, the highest globally.

“Nigeria has the third-largest HIV burden worldwide after Mozambique and South Africa, with an HIV prevalence rate of 2.9% among pregnant women,” Dr. Adetunji revealed. He advised that HIV testing should be conducted at least twice during pregnancy  during antenatal care and labour  to ensure early detection and intervention.

He added, “If diagnosed early, antiretroviral treatment can be administered to prevent the unborn child from contracting the virus.”

Dr. Adetunji emphasized the importance of inclusive HIV response strategies, particularly for vulnerable groups, including children, men who have sex with men, transgender individuals, people who use drugs, sex workers, and those in prisons.

“This year’s World AIDS Day theme, *‘Take the Right Paths: Sustain HIV Response and Stop HIV Among Children,’* highlights the need for a sustainable approach that respects the rights and health of those affected by HIV,” he said.

As part of the week-long activities to mark the occasion, OYSACA will engage various stakeholders across the state to raise awareness and promote HIV prevention.

Dr. Adetunji also urged the public to combat stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV), stressing that HIV should be treated as a chronic condition, similar to diabetes and hypertension.

“Discrimination remains a significant barrier to accessing healthcare, education, and employment for PLHIV. Addressing stigma is essential to reducing new infections and ensuring a fulfilling life for those affected,” he concluded.