The Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) has issued a warning about the alarming prevalence of HIV in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The regional manager of IHVN, Dr. Danjuma Sanda delivered this urgent message during the commemoration of the 2023 World AIDS Day in Abuja.
The disclosure comes on the heels of a Twitter claim suggesting a spike in HIV cases in Abuja after a Red Cross outreach. The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) promptly refuted this claim, emphasising that there was no such outreach in Abuja. NACA confirmed Abuja’s HIV prevalence rate at 1.3 per cent, mirroring the national rate, and condemned the use of false statistics, emphasising the importance of accurate information in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Sanda, while acknowledging the significance of World AIDS Day, stressed the need for community leadership to combat the persisting challenges. Despite achieving 95 per cent saturation in the FCT, new HIV infections continue, prompting a call for intensified testing efforts.
“We have the resources—test kits, prevention tools like condoms—and leaders are called to action. Testing is crucial; it’s an opportunity for everyone to know their HIV status. Remember, HIV is not a death sentence; we have life-saving antiretroviral medication. Let us tackle this challenge together,” Sanda emphasised.
He underscored the urgent requirement for increased awareness and effective measures to address the HIV situation in the FCT. The prevalence of HIV in Abuja has raised concerns, necessitating immediate attention from the government, healthcare professionals, and the general public.
Sanda called for heightened efforts to provide accessible and affordable healthcare services, including HIV testing, counseling, and treatment facilities in Abuja. Early detection and prompt treatment were emphasised to ensure better health outcomes for individuals living with HIV.
Community engagement and involvement were highlighted as crucial components in tackling the HIV epidemic. Sanda advocated for collaborations between government agencies, non-profit organisations, and local communities to develop and implement effective strategies to control the spread of HIV in Abuja.
The chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Hon. Christopher Zakka echoed the call for unity in combating the wave of HIV, emphasising AMAC’s commitment to working with relevant agencies to prevent and control the spread of HIV and AIDS.
On the sidelines of the event, IHVN provided free HIV testing services to attendees, reinforcing the importance of regular testing for early diagnosis. A certified test counselor underscored the significance of early detection in treating and living with HIV.
As World AIDS Day brings attention to the global fight against HIV/AIDS, IHVN’s warning serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges that persist, demanding collective action and responsibility. The commemoration encourages solidarity and shared responsibility in the ongoing battle against HIV/AIDS.
