The
Minister of State for Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire on Tuesday disclosed that
Nigeria contributes 3.4million to the global population of 36.9million persons
living with HIV/AIDS.
Speaking
at a press briefing held in Abuja to mark the 2015 World AIDS Day, the minister
revealed that Nigeria is currently treating about 800,000 people living with
the virus with antiretroviral drugs.
He
pointed out that this figure is expected to increase significantly as the
country implements 2014 treatment guidelines.
The Minister,
was however elated with the fact that HIV prevalence among youths (15-24years)
has shown a consistent decline from 6.0% in the year 2001 to 2.9% in 2014. He
said this is suggestive of a reduction in new infections and an indication that
the health sector interventions are having positive impact.
He then
stressed the importance of a multi-sectoral approach to HIV/AIDS through active
participation of all stakeholders including Civil Society Organisations,
Private sector, Faith-based organisations, communities and people living with
HIV and AIDS.
In her
welcome address, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr. Amina Shamaki
stated that with the support of partners, Nigeria has been able to provide
prevention, care and treatment services to a large number of Nigerians but
there is still a lot of grounds to cover.
The
World Health Organization, WHO, Country representative, Dr. Gama Vas, in his
goodwill message, explained that this year’s commemoration was to ensure that
in the next five years, 90% of infected persons know their status, 90% of those
diagnosed with HIV are offered antiretroviral therapy and that 90% of people
living with HIV and on treatment, achieve viral load suppression.
Credit@ Daily Post
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