Oyo NOA Intensifies HIV Awareness Campaign, Urges Regular Testing and Year-Round Sensitization
Ibadan, Oyo State, May 20, 2025 — In a renewed effort to combat the spread of HIV/AIDS in Nigeria, the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Oyo State chapter, has called on citizens to remain vigilant and proactive in curbing the disease. This charge was delivered during a live radio program, Compass, on IBR FM, where the agency emphasized the urgent need for continuous public awareness and regular testing.
Speaking on behalf of the Oyo State NOA Director, Aderogba Akanbi, Deputy Director of Health and Social Care, Mr. Babatunde Ogundipe, shared alarming statistics, revealing that Nigeria accounts for approximately 1.2 million of the 3.9 million global HIV-positive cases. He expressed deep concern that despite years of advocacy and sensitization, the infection rate remains high, warranting intensified efforts across all platforms, including the media.
According to Ogundipe, the agency’s media outreach is part of a broader strategy to reach more citizens and dismantle misinformation surrounding HIV transmission. “We must spread the right message to stop the spread of HIV,” he stressed, adding that public enlightenment should not be seasonal or limited to World AIDS Day, which is observed annually on December 1.
During the program, Ogundipe educated listeners on various transmission routes of HIV, including unprotected sex, sharing of needles and syringes, transfusion of infected blood, occupational exposure, and use of contaminated sharp objects. He highlighted that careless practices, especially in healthcare and domestic environments, remain major contributors to new infections.
He also addressed the complacency exhibited by some members of the public, who erroneously believe that HIV is a disease of the past. He urged them to change this mindset, noting that the virus continues to infect and affect lives. “The campaigns must be year-round. This is not a one-off fight,” Ogundipe asserted.
Ogundipe further advised that individuals take responsibility for their health by undergoing regular HIV testing, especially when they experience symptoms suggestive of immune system compromise. “Early detection is key. It helps in containing the spread and facilitates timely medical intervention,” he said.
The program also served to dispel common myths surrounding HIV. Ogundipe debunked widely held misconceptions that HIV can be contracted through casual contact such as kissing, hugging, or sharing utensils. “These are fabrications. HIV is not spread through such interactions unless there is blood contact,” he clarified.
Emphasizing the importance of awareness in combating the disease, he remarked, “The greatest weapon we have in fighting HIV/AIDS is awareness creation. It must be constant and strategic.”
In his closing remarks, Ogundipe encouraged individuals living with HIV to adopt healthy lifestyles, including proper nutrition, adherence to antiretroviral therapy, regular exercise, and consistent medical check-ups. He also warned against stigmatization, reminding the public that with the right treatment and care, people living with HIV can lead long, productive lives.
The NOA’s media intervention marks a significant step in its ongoing efforts to stem the tide of HIV infections in Oyo State and beyond, reinforcing that collective responsibility and sustained awareness are vital to winning the battle against the disease.