09 Apr Oyo Govt Intensifies HIV Coordination, Reviews CBO, CSO Activities

Oyo State Government through the State Agency for the Control of AIDs (OYSACA) has reiterated its commitment to strengthening coordination and improving the effectiveness of HIV/AIDS interventions across the State through enhanced collaboration with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), and key population networks.

Speaking on Wednesday at a stakeholders’ coordinating meeting held at the OYSACA Conference Room, the Coordinating Director of the Agency, Dr. Wale Falana, emphasized the critical role of non-governmental actors in driving community-level HIV response and achieving sustainable health outcomes in Oyo State.

Dr. Falana noted that OYSACA, as the government-mandated coordinating body established by law, is responsible for overseeing and harmonizing all HIV/AIDS-related activities in the State. He explained that the Agency is empowered to register and coordinate all CBOs and NGOs working on HIV/AIDS, in line with national guidelines that provide for structured coordination mechanisms, including forums that integrate networks and civil society actors.

According to him, effective engagement and coordination of these organizations are essential to ensuring a unified and impactful response to the HIV epidemic.

He stressed the need to resuscitate and strengthen existing coordination platforms to promote best practices, eliminate duplication of efforts, and ensure optimal utilization of resources.

“The importance of having a unified front among CBOs and Networks in Oyo State cannot be overstated. Strengthening coordination mechanisms will not only improve service delivery at the community level but also enhance linkages with health facilities and other stakeholders,” Dr. Falana stated.

Dr. Falana highlighted the framework of the OYSACA-CSOs Networks Forum, designed to serve as a platform for coordination, information sharing, and performance review among stakeholders.

He explained that the Forum will bring together representatives from recognized national networks and relevant stakeholders, including NEPWHAN, CISHAN, the National Youth Network on HIV/AIDS (NYNETHA), faith-based organizations, youth groups, key population representatives, and other implementing partners. The Partnership Coordination Department of OYSACA will chair the Forum, while the Agency will serve as its secretariat.

Dr. Falana further disclosed that the Forum will meet quarterly, with provisions for emergency meetings when necessary, to assess progress, address challenges, and strengthen strategic alignment among stakeholders.

He outlined the core responsibilities of the Forum to include facilitating interaction between OYSACA and CSOs, assessing implementation of work plans, identifying capacity gaps, providing technical guidance, reviewing performance in HIV response, and ensuring effective dissemination of information from key coordination platforms such as the State Council on AIDS.

The Coordinating Director also underscored the importance of accountability and effective reporting within the Forum, urging members to cascade decisions and outcomes to their respective constituencies to ensure inclusiveness and transparency in the State’s HIV response.

Reaffirming the Agency’s commitment, Dr. Falana called on all stakeholders to deepen collaboration and sustain collective efforts toward reducing the burden of HIV/AIDS in Oyo State.

State coordinators of the Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN), Association of Women Living with HIV in Nigeria (ASWHAN), Civil Society on HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (CISHAN), and other key Population groups later briefed the Agency on their ongoing activities and interventions across Oyo State.

The meeting concluded with a renewed resolve among participants to strengthen partnerships, improve coordination, and align strategies for a more impactful and cost-effective HIV response across the State.

E-Signed

Honourable Commissioner for Information,

Prince Dotun Oyelade