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FROM EXPERIENCE TO PAGES AS ‘DRAG ON’ HITS SHELVES
The public presentation and launch of the book “Drag On – A True Life Experience of Olusiji Balogun” took place in Oshogbo, Osun State on May 8, 2025 marking six years when the author was diagnosed of HIV and his survival as the book hits the shelves.
The event which turned out to be a celebration of science, inspiration, and life of the author, Olusiji Balogun’s was a compendium of his journey and how he was able to endure stigmatisation.
Present at the event were major stakeholders and players in the state led by the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Barr. Jola Akintola, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Isiaka Adekunle, the Executive Secretary of Osun State Agency for the Control of AIDS (OSACA), Dr Segun Daramola ably represented by Mr Julius Oyeleke and Mr. Adeleke Also present were Dr Akeem Bello. Director of Public Health, Osun State, Dr Ajilo, SACP Coordinator, representatives from Ministry of Justice and Ministry of Women Affairs who took their turn sharing their different experiences and eulogising the author for his courageous effort which will in turn save so many lives.
The book reviewer, Dr. Sunday Olanrewaju of the University of Osun Teaching Hospital, said the book is a veritable tool for analysis by researchers and students who wants to know more about the virus. Drag On is relatable in it’s approach and simple structure, he said during the review.
One of the major highlight of the event was the presentation by OSACA done by Mr Julius Oyeleke with emphasis on the effects of the “Anti-Stigma Law” enacted by the state government through the House of Assembly.
Osun State Coordinator, Civil Society for HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (CisHAN ) and Executive President, Garnet Youth Development Foundation,. Mr. Babatunde Alexander Omole, said the achievement of the 95-95-95 target is a must and every hand must be on deck not only in the treatment of the virus but reducing the rate of infection to it’s barest minimum level.
Omole said widespread HIV testing is crucial while timely diagnosis, linkage to treatment and care remain critical because it is the only way to identify people currently living with the virus but who did not know they had HIV.
“Not knowing ones status placed the society at risk for serious health problems and premature death, and unknowingly transmitting the virus to others. Efforts should be towards the prevention of the virus and must be geared towards the total eradication by increasing awareness amongst the populace. There must be concerted efforts to improve the health of people living with HIV too.” He reiterated.
Dr. Michael Aworeni, who led the Education Community Empowerment Welfare Scheme (ECEWS) team to the event remarked that the decision of the writer to make the disclosure in his book is bold and needs to be encouraged as it’ll go a long way in advocacy and eradicating the virus as targeted. He stressed the need for more funding towards the fight against the virus, which are declining.
Dr. Taiwo Afhokume, the Chief Medical Director (CMD), Ise-Ekiti General Hospital, who was at the event in his personal capacity as a friend of the author stressed that management of HIV at any level of detection is possible based on his many years of experience in the treatment of HIV emphasizing that early detection makes the treatment easier both for practitioners and anyone infected.
The representatives of Association of Positive Youth in Nigeria (APYIN ), Cherish Akindele also emphasized on the need to implement and make efficient the “Anti-Stigma Law” in the state and also educate the public more on the treatment of people living with the virus with empathy and not discrimination. In her words, testing positive to the virus is not a condition of lifestyle but various circumstances, as she also hammered on the need to accelerate the HIV vaccine availability to the general populace.
The writer of the book, who is also the author narrated his experiences which he called his medical ordeal and how he was able to survive the discrimination that emanated from both external and internal stigmatisation with emphasis that with a good support system, any medical condition especially HIV should not be seen as the end of the world but an opportunity to start a new and healthy life.
Aremo Olusiji Balogun apart from sharing his personal experiences after his diagnosis of the virus, challenges stigma, critiques systemic failures, and advocates a more compassionate approach to the epidemic.
“Drag On” is indeed a story of triumph through resilience, boldness and action. Where science meets inspiration. A must for every home and library.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its blend of personal storytelling and factual analysis. It is a comprehensive resource that highlights the impact of HIV stigma and discrimination, shares personal stories, and provides strategies for promoting awareness, understanding, and inclusivity.
According to the writer, it is his expectation that “Drag On ” will increase awareness among the people and help in the understanding of HIV stigma and discrimination, treat people living and managing the virus with empathy and support.
The book is for everyone especially people living with the disease, community leaders, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and anyone interested in advocating for human rights and health equity.
It includes understanding HIV stigma and discrimination based on personal stories and experiences. The impact on individuals and communities which calls for policy reforms and change in human rights and supports.
The book’s accessible and easy language ensures that it reaches a wide audience, from policymakers to everyday readers seeking to understand more about HIV/AIDS.
Olusiji’s ability to interweave his experiences with broader public health discussions makes “Drag On” an engaging and enlightening read.
The event also witnessed the official introduction of Olusiji Balogun Foundation, an NGO established by the writer aimed to contribute to the society development and save lives especially the less privileged.
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