By Isaac Olufemi
The APIN Public Health Initiatives (APIN) has celebrated its 25th anniversary of providing robust medical support and care for persons living with HIV/AIDS, with a renewed call to end stigmatisation and improve the mental well-being of infected children and adolescents.
At a commemorative event titled “hang out with children and adolescents” held at Koltol Hotel in Ibadan, Oyo State, stakeholders gathered to reflect on two and a half decades of ongoing medical interventions, which have transformed HIV from what was once seen as a “death sentence” into a manageable chronic condition.
The Head of Office, APIN Public Health Initiatives, Oyo State, Dr. Folake Adurogbola, underscored the importance of integrating mental health support into their clinical services.
She noted that the organisation consciously includes social engagement events for children and adolescents to foster a sense of belonging.
“We make them realise that they can become whatever they want to be, irrespective of their status,” Dr. Adurogbola stated. “When we make them feel loved, it goes a long way in their mental status. We want them to feel like members of a family, not just patients in their respective hospitals.”
She highlighted that the organisation provides more than just clinical care, offering peer support groups where adolescents can express their concerns freely—an environment often lacking at home—as well as educational and financial support.
Addressing the persistent challenge of discrimination, Dr. Adurogbola noted that Oyo State has enacted legislation to combat the stigmatisation of people living with HIV.“Stigmatisation is a big issue, honestly. But luckily for us, in Oyo State, there is an anti-stigma law. If anybody is found stigmatising an HIV-positive individual, the person will be charged in court and could face jail time. We encourage our people, both young and old, to know their status and speak up if they are being stigmatised,” she added.
In his remark, the state chairman, Oyo State agency for the control of Aids, Aare Dr. Gbola Adetunji lauded APIN Public Health Initiative for its sustained commitment to combatting HIV and AIDS, citing the organisation’s long-standing impact through community engagement, targeted interventions, and the consistent delivery of quality healthcare services.
Moreover, he described the hangout as a pivotal platform for empowering the next generation with the knowledge required to make informed, healthy life decisions.
While expressing appreciation for the enduring synergy between both organisations, he urged stakeholders to intensify efforts toward the collective objective of eradicating HIV and AIDS, wishing the agency continued success in its future public health endeavours.
The Director of Medical Services of the Oyo State Hospital Management Board, Dr. Olufemi Adesanya, lauded APIN for its consistency and multifaceted role in HIV treatment, prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT), and general health management.
“APIN has played a major role in the issue of HIV treatment. This 25 years have been a period of consistency and keeping focus,” Dr. Adesanya remarked.
“Despite the present challenges with funding, they have still been able to keep their head above water. The state government is happy with this partnership, and we hope to continue to work together to mitigate the rate of infection.”
Further commending the initiative’s impact, the Administrator of Oluyoro Catholic Hospital, Oke-Ofa, Sister Winnifred Diagboya, praised APIN for its training programmes for healthcare workers, which she said have been instrumental in removing prejudice within clinical settings.
“They have helped many people to feel relevant in society. They’ve trained some of our healthcare workers to be able to assist patients living with HIV and AIDS, and they have helped to remove fear among our staff,” she said.
As APIN enters its next phase of service, stakeholders expressed optimism that the organisation would continue to provide the holistic care necessary to sustain the lives of thousands of patients across the state and the nation.
However, the event had children and adolescents engage in different fun activities, including dancing, question-and-answer sessions, and cutting the anniversary cake.
This event is part of the three-act kindness initiative earmarked by the APIN Ibadan office to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the APIN Public Health Initiatives, celebrating two and a half decades of impactful and compassionate healthcare support to Nigerians.
