Chinedum Treasure
No fewer than 3,138 tested positive out of 257,953 individuals tested for HIV in Anambra between January and October, Anambra State Aids Control Agency (ANSACA) has said.
Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike disclosed this on Thursday in Awka while addressing newsmen to mark World AIDS Day observed every Dec. 1, since 1988.
World AIDS Day is commemorated globally to raise awareness about HIV and AIDS and honor the lives affected by the epidemic.
This year’s commemoration had the global theme: ‘Take the Rights Path, Sustain HIV Response, Stop HIV Among Children to End AIDS in Nigeria by 2030’.
Obidike said the state recorded significant strides in the fight against HIV/AIDS with the extension of comprehensive services to 175 healthcare facilities across the state.
He further disclosed that 49,067 individuals living with HIV have currently been placed on Anti-retroviral treatment.
He said: “From January to October 2024 alone, 257,953 individuals were tested for HIV, with 3,138 (1.2 per cent) newly testing positive.
“An impressive 99 per cent of those who tested positive, were successfully linked to antiretroviral therapy (ART). Currently, 49,067 individuals living with HIV have been placed on Anti-retroviral treatment.
“As part HIV prevention efforts, the state, through its partners’ support, has distributed 1,406,744 condoms and 26,640 lubricants to support safe practices among key populations and the general public.
“These distributions underline the state and its partners’ commitment to mitigating transmission risks and supporting comprehensive prevention strategies.
Describing Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) programme as pivotal to the progress recorded in reducing pediatric HIV in the state, Obidike revealed that Spectrum projections indicated an estimated 5,167 pregnant women in Anambra required PMTCT services in 2024.
“Through the efforts of mentor mothers and partners in the communities, 56,199 antenatal attendees tested for HIV, and 560 HIV-positive pregnant women (both known and new cases) were identified and were successfully linked to care.
“The integration of innovative diagnostics like m-PIMA machines for Early Infant Diagnostics has improved our ability to test HIV-exposed infants and ensure they are linked to care promptly.
“This is a significant stride toward ensuring healthier outcomes for mothers and their babies,” he said.
Obidike said the state government initiated the domestication of the HIV anti-discrimination Act to protect the rights of People Living with HIV, eliminate stigma and gender-based violence.
“The state remains focused on achieving health equity and an AIDS-free future for all residents,” he added.
Executive Director, ANSACA, JohnBosco Ementa underscored the importance of residents knowing their HIV status as early treatment would ensure reduction in transmission.
He urged residents, especially pregnant women yet to know their status to take advantage of the free HIV/AIDS testing centres which he said were more accessible to them.
“Prevention remains the best option, hence the reason all hands must be on deck to ensure that everyone gets tested to reduce the transmission rate.
“We want to end AIDS in Nigeria by 2030. Our target is to ensure Anambra is HIV free and no child born in the state is with HIV,” he added.
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