US CDC launches HIV treatment programme in Oyo

The United States Government through the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US CDC), has launched the Accelerating Progress in Pediatrics and PMTCT (AP3) programme in Oyo State to scale up HIV case identification and prevention of mother-to-child transmission.

Speaking at the event held in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital on Wednesday, the US Consul General, Will Stevens, said the existing gaps in identifying pediatric, adolescent, and mother-to-child HIV cases must be closed to ensure everyone has access to life-saving medications.

Stevens, however, commended healthcare workers for their efforts to identify and place people living with HIV on treatment, especially during the difficult times of COVID-19.

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“During the COVID-19 pandemic, while other countries saw significant setbacks in access to HIV care and treatment, the Nigerian healthcare community was able to sustain progress and significantly increase the number of people receiving life-saving treatment,” he added.

On his part, the Oyo State Commissioner of Health, Dr. Taiwo Oladipo, reiterated the state government’s commitment to ensuring all existing gaps are bridged to ensure a successful HIV program in the state.

Oladipo thanked the US Government, US CDC, and implementing partners for their support and called on the people of Oyo State to provide maximum cooperation for successful implementation.

The Star