By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal
The Kwara Government in collaboration with development partners, has intensified efforts to eliminate HIV/AIDs in the state.
The Executive Secretary of the Kwara State AIDS Control Agency, (KWASACA), Dr. Alabi Seleem stated this on Friday in Ilorin while speaking at a Symposium organised as part of weeklong activities organised to commemorate the 2025 World AIDs Day.
The theme of the day is entitled: “Overcoming Disruptions and Sustaining HIV Response” .
Seleem explained that disruptions to HIV response have existed for years but recently intensified suddenly and unexpectedly, especially with donor funding withdrawals.
He observed that the success is as a result to strong collaboration, resilience, and dedication within the HIV response system.
According to him, the commemoration of the day serves three main purposes of bringing stakeholders together to work toward a common goal.
He pointed out that it also serve as a memorial of the millions of lives lost to HIV globally, while also reflecting, assessing and reviewing current efforts, reassess strategies.
Seleem stated that reality demands a rethinking of strategies, adoption of more efficient service delivery models, and the ability to do more with limited resources.
He enjoined stakeholders to critically assess the immediate, medium-term, and long-term impacts of current disruptions on HIV service delivery and how donor withdrawals will affect programme sustainability.
The Executive Secretary stressed that the best way to sustain HIV response is to strengthen the response using available local resources.
Also speaking, the Kwara Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina El-Ima described the programme as a moment to review yearly progress and challenge individuals and organizations to assess their personal impact on behavior change and prevention.
She pointed out that HIV is no longer a death sentence and that stigma must be eliminated, while calling on people to feel safe to disclose their status without fear.
The Commissioner however, expressed concern over some individuals who make use of unsterilized cutting tools in markets, sharing unsafe syringes, and traditional procedures like circumcision and tonsil removal.
She attributed this to lack of enough adequate public sensitization, and emphasized that there is a need to intensify the awareness campaign on HIV/AIDS.
El-Imam commended the Federal and state government for their strong response to recent disruptions in the health sector, emphasizing Nigeria’s ability to recover and adapt.
Earlier in his welcome address, the State Team Lead, Society for Family Health, Dr. Owen Omede, described the theme as apt, saying overcoming disruptions is particularly significant due to major global and local challenges in the HIV response.
He highlighted the sudden withdrawal of certain United State government funding, which severely affected the HIV supply chain and service delivery.
“Despite Kwara being supported by the Global Fund, the state still experienced shortages in critical commodities such as HIV test kits, and Viral load sample collection materials.
According him, the situation has improved, and he stressed that sustainability remains a critical concern.
Omede commended the State’s reputation as a pacesetter in HIV sustainability plan, and ownership.
