The Minister of State for Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire has said that Nigeria contributes 3.4 million to the global population of 36.9 million persons living with HIV/AIDS.
Osagie Ehanire said this during the press briefing held in Abuja to mark the 2015 World AIDS Day on Tuesday December 1, 2015. He informed that Nigeria is currently treating about eight hundred thousand people living with the virus with anti-retroviral drugs. ‘This figure, he added is anticipated to increase significantly as the country is implementing the 2014 treatment guidelines.’
The Minister was however elated with the fact that HIV prevalence among youths (15-24 years) has shown a consistent decline from 6.0% in the year 2001 to 2.9% in 2014. He disclosed that this is suggestive of a reduction in new infections and an indication that the health sector interventions are having positive impact. He also stressed that 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 Federal Ministry of Health, Amina Shamaki informed 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 WHO Country Representative, Gama Vas in his goodwill message said that the aim of this year’s commemoration is to ensure that in the next five years, 90% of people living with HIV know their status. Adding, 90% of those diagnosed with HIV are offered anti-retroviral therapy, 90% of people living with HIV, who are on treatment, achieve viral load suppression.
Gama Vas announced that the theme for this year’s commemoration is – ‘On the Fast-Track to end AIDS.’
ABUJA (Federal Ministry of Health Report)
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