In what has clearly become a huge health challenge in the Salt of the Nation, over 16,000 persons in Ebonyi State are reported to be living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks the immune system, and AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) is the most advanced stage of HIV infection
Medical scientists are yet to find a cure for HIV/AIDS
Executive Secretary of the State’s Action Committee on AIDS, Chibueze Iteshi disclosed this to journalists yesterday (Monday, November 25) during a courtesy visit to one of the traditional rulers in the state, HRH Sunday Oketa as part of week-long activities to mark this year’s World AIDS Day.
The committee had in September this year revealed that 15,000 persons in the state were living with the virus.
But Iteshi regretted that in November, barely two months later, the number of those living with the virus had increased to over 16,000.
“From survey 2018, we have 0. 8 prevalent rate. But that survey has taken a good number of years. Currently, from the cases we have had so far, we have 16,000 plus positive who are on drugs in the state,” Iteshi agonized.
“We are trying to get all the stakeholders at the community level to sensitize them on the importance of HIV prevention.
“The expectation is to increase awareness in our communities, trying to engage other community leaders to spread the campaign and as well, increase in prevention from mother to child campaign because this year’s World AIDS Day theme centers on prevention of the virus among children.
“When there is proper community testing, pregnant women and facility testing, the virus would be detected early.”
To curb further spread, Florence Odii of the Youth Network on HIV/AIDS said the network has been distributing condoms to sexually active persons in Ebonyi.
“Currently, we have been able to distribute 6,528 condoms between March and November this year to practice safe sex we have been talking about this because it will help us to achieve what we intend to achieve in 2030 which is elimination of HIV/AIDS,” she said.
Peeved at the grim statistics, HRH Sunday Oketa, while receiving a delegation of the Aids Committee in his palace, assured that he would lead the campaign against the virus in his community, lamenting that the virus has killed many people in Ebonyi State in particular and Nigeria and other parts of the world in general.
Consequently, Igwe Oketa called on all and sundry to join the campaign against the as yet incurable disease.
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