We are committed to reducing HIV/AIDS scourge — Ogun govt

The Ogun State government has said the present administration will not rest on its oars in its efforts to reduce the prevalance and spread of HID/AIDS in the State, as the State is more committed to facilitate more capacity building for peer health educators in higher institutions of learning to improve behavioural change towards the scourge.

State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker said this during a day training organised by the Ogun State Agency for the Control of AIDS (OGSACA), at the Theatre Arts Hall, Federal College of Education, Abeokuta, with the theme; ‘Capacity Building for In-School Youths in Tertiary Institutions as Peer Educators.’

Dr. Coker, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr. Adesanya Ayinde noted that HIV infection is currently high among youths between the age of 15 to 24 years, adding that it is important to checkmate the trend by enlightening them through capacity building programmes and other strategies.

The Commissioner urged youths to avoid unprotected sex if they cannot abstain from it, adding that they the hope of the nation, hence the need to avoid risky behaviours.

On his part, the Acting Provost, Federal College of Education, Osiele, Dr. Rafiu Soyele, represented by the Dean Students Affairs, Dr. Badru Rasaq enjoined participants to make best use of the training.

Speaking on behalf of the participants, Titilayo Balogun and Oluwagbemiga Ifeoluwa, commended the initiative of the State government, saying it was an opportunity for them to educate their peers on HIV/AIDS, its causes and preventions.