Breaking: Abia State Agency Warns Against HIV Discrimination

In a bold move to combat the spread of HIV/AIDS, the Abia State Agency for the Control of HIV/AIDS (ABSACA) has urged churches, religious bodies, and employers in the state to refrain from discriminating against individuals living with HIV. The warning was issued by Dr. Uloaku Emma-Ukaegbu, Director General of ABSACA, during a sensitization meeting with media houses in Umuahia.

According to Dr. Emma-Ukaegbu, stigma is a significant obstacle in the fight against HIV, and her office has been working closely with government ministries, religious leaders, communities, and schools to correct misconceptions about HIV infections in the state. The prevalence rate of HIV infection in Abia remains at 2.1%, with an age bracket of 15-64 years, as reported in the 2018 National survey.

Breaking down the statistics, Dr. Emma-Ukaegbu revealed that Ukwa East has the highest prevalence rate in the local government, with 2.48% in both sexes, followed by Ikwuano LGA with 2.38%, and Obingwa LGA with 2.29%. On the other hand, Umuahia North, Ohafia LGA, Bende LGA, and Isuikwuato LGA have the lowest prevalence rates, ranging from 1.17% to 1.28%.

The Director General also called on the media to join the campaign against HIV/AIDS and encouraged individuals living with the virus not to abandon their medications, as this could lead to a resurgence in viral loads. Moreover, she emphasized the need for a national policy to manufacture HIV treatment drugs in the country.

ABSACA officials, Mrs. Ekeoma Akidi and Munachi Aguomba, lamented the use of derogatory names for persons living with HIV in the media and the demand by some communities for the transfer of teachers found to be living with HIV. They emphasized that such harmful practices must stop.

The effort to combat HIV/AIDS is a collective responsibility, and it is essential that all stakeholders work together to eliminate stigma and discrimination. ABSACA’s warning serves as a timely reminder of the importance of compassion, empathy, and understanding in the fight against this global health crisis.