Govt officials show concerns as HIV prevalence soars in Akwa Ibom state

The prevalence of HIV/AIDS in Akwa Ibom remains high despite the aggressive enlightenment campaign by the state government and several donor agencies.

According to a report by the TrackNews Media , the situation is now a serious concern to state government officials.

In successive years, Akwa Ibom maintained the number one position as a state with the highest burden of HIV in Nigeria, with 5.5%, according to the Nigeria HIV/AIDs Indicator and Impact Survey (NAIIS).

According to Akwa Ibom programme data for 2022, about 240,000 persons are currently on treatment for HIV/AIDS in the state.

From the number, HIV gender disparity between females and males is high due to biological and social reasons showing that females are the worst hit.

“HIV prevalence was greatest among younger adults, with females aged 20-24 years (1.3%) having almost four times the prevalence of males in the same age group (0.4%).

“As at June 2023, 10,833 adolescents and young persons were on medications hence the need for positive living to ensure they adhere to viral suppression and epidemic control,” the survey revealed.

Dr Edith Mathias Igbemi, quoted in the report, called for more awareness of control measures.

She highlighted local government areas with a high prevalence of HIV in Akwa Ibom to include Ikono, Obot Akara, Ikot Ekpene, Uyo, Uruan, Ibesikpo, Nsit Ubium, Eket, Ibeno and Oron.

Igbemi noted that the state had made some progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS regarding improved case finding through Index Case Testing, Camping and Creek Testing modalities.

She revealed that with the breakthrough recorded, the 2021 publication of the Akwa Ibom state ministry of health estimated that the prevalence rate had dropped to 4.4 per cent.

She, however, called for more collaboration with stakeholders and development partners in escalating HIV prevention activities for adolescents and young girls in the state.