The First Lady of Ekiti State, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, on Monday led stakeholders, health advocates, and community representatives in commemorating the 2025 World AIDS Day Awareness event held at her office in Ado-Ekiti.
The awareness programme, organized to strengthen public education and promote preventive health behaviours, highlighted the state’s renewed commitment to reducing HIV infections and ensuring access to treatment for all residents.
In her keynote address, Dr. Oyebanji urged Ekiti residents to take personal responsibility for their health by getting tested, seeking early treatment, and adopting safe practices. She emphasized that knowing one’s status remains the first and most important step in breaking the chain of transmission.
Highlighting the global theme for this year, Dr. Oyebanji stressed the urgent need for consistent awareness, personal hygiene, and preventive health measures, noting that clean habits and proactive health checks significantly reduce vulnerability to HIV and other infections.
She commended the ongoing efforts of Ekiti State health institutions and development partners for their dedication to combating HIV and for their activities marking this year’s World AIDS Day.
The First Lady called on parents to prioritize educating their children about HIV prevention, adding that early guidance remains key to safeguarding future generations.
Addressing harmful stereotypes and discrimination, Dr. Oyebanji firmly advocated against the stigmatization of people living with HIV, insisting that compassion, support, and respect are essential to achieving an HIV-free society. She also advised youths to resist negative societal pressures, embrace healthy lifestyles, and make informed decisions that protect their well-being.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Oyebanji Filani, reaffirmed Ekiti State’s commitment to ending the spread of HIV. He encouraged residents to know their status, access treatment when necessary, and collaborate with the government and partners to build a healthier, more informed, and stigma-free Ekiti State.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the Ekiti State AIDS Control Agency (ESACA), Dr. Ojo Dairo, commended the state government for providing an enabling environment that has contributed to achieving a low transmission rate. He praised the dedication of health workers and the resilience of clients, noting that these efforts have helped maintain a low treatment interruption rate of 0.6%.
The event reinforced the state’s determination to strengthen HIV response efforts and promote a future where every resident has access to quality healthcare and accurate information.