The Ondo State Government has stepped up efforts to build a sustainable, government-owned response to HIV/AIDS, as key stakeholders across the health sector reviewed the state’s programme performance and mapped out strategies to reduce dependence on donor funding.
The commitment was reinforced at a two-day State Annual Programme Performance Review Meeting, held on September 28 and 29, 2026, at Heritage Hotel, Ijapo, Akure, with support from APIN Public Health Initiatives under the CDC/PEPFAR programme
The meeting brought together officials of the Ondo State Ministry of Health and its agencies, the Hospital Management Board, Ondo State Primary Health Care Board, Ondo State Agency for the Control of AIDS (ODSACA), local government authorities, the Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (NEPHWAN), development partners and civil society organisations.
The review provided a platform for stakeholders to assess progress, identify implementation gaps and develop practical commitments aimed at strengthening government ownership of the state’s HIV response.
Discussions focused on six key areas: health financing, workforce absorption, service integration, health promotion, social protection for people living with HIV, and budgetary planning.
Stakeholders emphasised that progress in these areas would be critical to protecting gains made in HIV prevention, treatment and care while transitioning towards a more integrated health system supported by stronger domestic financing and government structures.
The second day opened with a recap of the previous day’s deliberations by Mr. Steve, followed by the rendition of the Nigerian and Ondo State anthems.
The first presentation was delivered by Mr. Feyijimi Egunjobi, representing the Ondo State Contributory Health Commission, who provided an update on the state’s health insurance enrolment status among clients accessing public health programmes.
Participants subsequently engaged in a facility-level group discussion on progress towards HIV service integration. The session offered stakeholders an opportunity to examine existing integration efforts, identify operational challenges and propose measures for improving integration across health facilities.
Attention then shifted to domestic resource mobilisation, with Dr. Dayo Adegbulu delivering a presentation on strategies and state plans for strengthening local financing of the HIV response, as designated by the ODSACA Programme Manager.
Pharmacist Taiwo Adeyemi, representing the Director of Public Health, also presented possible areas of collaboration and forward-looking strategies for the AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria programmes.
Another presentation by Dr. Ndubisi Emenogu, designated by APIN’s Health Systems Strengthening team, examined the broad objectives and priorities for FY27.
A recurring theme throughout the meeting was the need to embed HIV services more firmly within existing government health structures, financing mechanisms and planning processes.
Stakeholders noted that greater integration would help ensure continuity of essential prevention, treatment and care services while strengthening the state’s capacity to finance and manage the programme over the long term.
The meeting also underscored the importance of sustained collaboration among government institutions, healthcare workers, development partners, civil society organisations and communities of people living with HIV.
Among those who shared perspectives at the meeting were Dr. Adedayo Akingbulu, Executive Secretary and Project Manager of ODSACA; Hon. Oluwole Emmanuel Ogunmolasuyi, Member of the Ondo State House of Assembly; Dr. Ifeyinwa Onwuatuelo, Coordinating Director of Programmes at APIN Public Health Initiatives Nigeria; and Dr. Banji Awolowo Ajaka, Commissioner for Health, Ondo State.
Other contributors included Dr. Isaac Aladeniyi, Director of Public Health, Ondo State Ministry of Health; Professor Michael Simidele Odimayo, Special Adviser on Health to the Governor; Dr. Ibiebo Chukwu Emeka, Associate Director, Health Systems Strengthening Directorate; and Pharmacist Olubusola Ojo, Head of the APIN Public Health Initiatives Ondo State Office.
In his closing remarks, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ajaka, expressed appreciation to the Ondo State Governor and participants for their contributions to the review and the broader effort to strengthen the state’s health system.
The event also attracted several senior government officials and political leaders, including the Chairman of OSOPADEC, Prince Biyi Poroye; Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro; Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Hon. Olaoluwa Akindolire; Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Seun Osamaye; and Commissioner for Education, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, who was represented by Mrs. Olufunke Ademuyiwa.
Also present were the Commissioner for Finance, Mrs. Omomumi Isaac, represented by Mr. Ojo Idowu; Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation, Hon. Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi; Chairman of ALGON, Hon. Dr. Gbenga Fasua; Accountant General, Mr. Segun Orisabinone, represented by Mr. Rafiu Lawal; and Auditor-General, Mr. Segun Adegoke, represented by Mrs. Adebimpe Akintade, among other dignitaries.
As the two-day meeting drew to a close, participants reaffirmed the importance of translating the deliberations into concrete actions, particularly in the areas of domestic financing, workforce sustainability, service integration and social protection.
