World HIV/AIDS day: 75% carriers in Nigeria unaware
World HIV/AIDS day: 75% carriers in Nigeria unaware
By Ojo Shola
AS the world marks World HIV/AIDS day December 1st, Executive Secretary, Kaduna State AIDS Control Agency (KASACA), Dr. Halliru Musa, has revealed that about 75 percent of people living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria are unaware of their status, hence the need for everyone to get tested.
He stated this yesterday in Kaduna while briefing newsmen about a week long activity to commemorate the day and to raise awareness campaign in the state, in collaboration with United States Children’s Fund (UNICEF), adding that the early the people know their status, the saver the country will be.
He emphasised that abstinence from sexual intercourse for unmarried category members of the society remains the only sure way to avoid contracting the epidemic, noting that the use of condoms as alternative cannot guaranteed safety.
To end the AIDS epidemic by 2030 as part of the sustainable development goals, he said will require accelerated investment, commitment and innovation in that direction.
According to him, if the world is to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030, rapid progress must be made by 2020.
“We are witnessing the beginning of the end of AIDS epidemic which can be ended in every region, every country, in every location, in every population and every community. There are multiple reasons why there is hope and conviction about this goal.
“To change this dynamic, we must quicken the pace of action. We know that strengthening local services to reach key populations will lead to healthier and more resilient societies.
“The good news is that we now have what what it takes to break this epidemic and keep it from rebounding to prevent substantially more new HIV infections and AIDS related deaths and to eliminate HIV related stigma,” he added.
Globally, 15 countries account for nearly 75 percent of all people living with HIV while Nigeria accounts for 9 percent of the global total. The theme for this year’s day is ‘Getting to zero: Ending AIDS by 2030.
Posted from GoBroadsheet