The Oyo State Government has intensified its grassroots health intervention drive with an integrated medical outreach at Ajegunle Market in Atiba Local Government Area of Oyo Town.
The outreach, organised through the Oyo State Agency for the Control of AIDS (OYSACA), provided free HIV testing, malaria testing and tuberculosis (TB) screening for traders and residents within the market community.
The initiative forms part of the state’s broader strategy to expand access to essential health services and strengthen disease prevention efforts.
Speaking during the exercise, the Coordinating Director of OYSACA, 
. Wale Falana, said the programme was deliberately taken to the market place to reach people who may not have the time or opportunity to visit conventional health facilities. He explained that in addition to free testing and screening, prescribed medications were provided for individuals requiring immediate care.
. Wale Falana, said the programme was deliberately taken to the market place to reach people who may not have the time or opportunity to visit conventional health facilities. He explained that in addition to free testing and screening, prescribed medications were provided for individuals requiring immediate care.Dr. Falana assured that anyone who tests positive for HIV would be promptly linked to designated treatment centres for proper management and support. He stressed that knowing one’s HIV status remains a critical step in prevention and effective treatment.
He urged residents to embrace regular testing and adopt responsible health practices, including avoiding unprotected sexual activities, refraining from sharing sharp objects, and steering clear of behaviours that increase the risk of infection.
The OYSACA boss also appreciated Governor Seyi Makinde for creating an enabling environment for impactful health interventions across the state. According to him, an effective HIV response requires collaboration among citizens, government and health workers.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Atiba Local Government, Hon. Wahab Waliu Adetunji, represented by the Supervisory Councillor for Health, Hon. Salau Musa, commended the state government for prioritising the health and wellbeing of residents. He described the outreach as timely, especially for vulnerable members of the community who may not be able to afford medical services.
Market leaders, including the Babaloja of Ajegunle Market, Mr. Rasak Oyelayo, and the Iyaloja, Alhaja Fasilatu Motunrayo, also lauded the agency for bringing the integrated health campaign directly to the market, noting that the initiative would greatly benefit traders and residents facing financial constraints.
The outreach further underscores OYSACA’s resolve to scale up community-based interventions, promote early detection of diseases and ensure equitable access to preventive, diagnostic and treatment services across Oyo State.
