The Ogun Government, on Tuesday, assured its citizens of uninterrupted HIV/AIDS services following the funding suspension of public health programmes by the USAID.
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Tomi Coker, in a statement issued in Abeokuta, said the government was committed to ensuring the organisation’s withdrawal of support didn’t create a vacuum.
NAN recalls the American government recently declared a 90-day suspension of funding support for public health programmes, including the HIV/AIDS initiative through USAID.
The commissioner emphasised the determination of the present administration to guarantee continuous treatment, care and support for People Living with HIV in the state.
To counter the potential impact of the funding stoppage, Coker said the state had implemented measures to ensure HIV test kits remained readily available.
She said the kits would be available across state hospitals and primary healthcare centres.
This, she said, would guarantee that all citizens had access to free HIV testing.
According to her, treatment facilities will remain open to support ongoing drug pick-up and the initiation of Antiretroviral medications (ARVs) for newly diagnosed patients at all 43 ART sites across Ogun.
For HIV-exposed infants, Coker assured the Early Infant Diagnosis test would continue at designated m-PIMA (Point-of-Care Immune Marker Analysis) laboratories located at Oba Ademola Maternity Hospital and General Hospital, Owode.
She further assured that all eligible clients requiring viral load testing would receive necessary blood sample collection with logistical support for sample transport.
Coker disclosed that existing mentor mothers would be engaged alongside government staff to facilitate the provision of HIV services.
She said the state Ministry of Health would oversee and coordinate ART sites to ensure a seamless continuum of care.
“The state government has set up mechanisms for feedback from healthcare workers in the field.
“This will allow for weekly assessments of the situation and timely resolution of any challenges that may arise during the suspension period.
“At this crucial moment, we will implore all concerned citizens to remain calm and support the government in its efforts towards continuous service delivery to its people.
“We also implore our healthcare providers to support the government in the effort to integrate the treatment of HIV into our general health services,” she added.