The AIDS Healthcare Foundation has revealed that Nasarawa State in Nigeria has an HIV prevalence rate of 2.0 percent, with approximately 23,306 people living with HIV requiring treatment. This information was disclosed by Dr. Emmanuel Bichi, the state coordinator for AHF, during a sensitization campaign and health talk in Keffi, Nasarawa State, held to commemorate World AIDS Day.
World AIDS Day, observed annually on December 1, aims to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS, promote global solidarity, and review progress in combating the epidemic. The AHF’s sensitization campaign is a key component in the effort to combat HIV/AIDS in the country, focusing on promoting awareness, prevention, testing, and care, while also showing solidarity with those impacted by the disease.
According to Dr. Bichi, the state government and AHF are working closely to address various HIV/AIDS challenges. The AHF Medical Director, Dr. Emmanuel Nwabueze, noted that the foundation is intensifying its campaign to ensure the elimination of HIV/AIDS by 2030. This includes providing treatment for sexually transmitted infections and promoting general wellness.
The foundation is also working on establishing a wellness center in Nasarawa State, following the successful establishment of similar centers in Benue and Abuja. These centers aim to provide seamless and accessible STI services to the public. Furthermore, the foundation will provide free condom education and distribution to the public.
The Senior Advocacy and Marketing Manager at AHF Nigeria, Steve Aborisade, emphasized the organization’s commitment to partnering with relevant stakeholders to address STIs in the country. The Director of Primary Health Care in Keffi, Dogara Dajuma, also highlighted the need for continuous collaboration to address STI challenges, noting that the PHC is intensifying campaigns in various localities to combat HIV/AIDS.
The revelation of Nasarawa State’s HIV prevalence rate and the efforts of AHF and the state government to combat the disease underscore the significance of continued awareness and prevention efforts. As the global community works towards eliminating HIV/AIDS by 2030, the importance of collaboration, awareness, and access to treatment cannot be overstated.
