The AIDS Healthcare Foundation on Monday said Nasarawa State has an HIV prevalence rate of 2.0 per cent, with an estimated 23,306 People Living with HIV requiring treatment.
The Nasarawa State Coordinator for AHF, Dr. Emmanuel Bichi, said this during a sensitization campaign, roadshow, and health talk in Keffi, Nasarawa State, held in commemoration of World AIDS Day.
World AIDS Day, observed annually on December 1, raises awareness about HIV/AIDS, promotes global solidarity, and reviews progress in combating the epidemic.
Bichi said the sensitization campaign by AHF is key to combating HIV/AIDS in the country.
He noted that the commemoration is aimed at promoting awareness, prevention, testing, and care, while also showing solidarity with those impacted by HIV/AIDS in the community and beyond.
According to him, “Nasarawa State has a prevalence rate of 2.0 per cent, with an estimated 23,306 people living with HIV requiring treatment.
“AHF and the state government are working closely to address various HIV/AIDS challenges.”
Also speaking, the AHF Medical Director, Dr. Emmanuel Nwabueze, said AHF is intensifying its campaign on a daily basis to ensure the elimination of HIV/AIDS by 2030.
Nwabueze noted that the foundation is deliberate in its campaign for the treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and general wellness.
“AHF is determined to provide seamless and accessible STI services to the people. We are also working on establishing a wellness center in Nasarawa State, following the ones in Benue and Abuja.
“We started the wellness clinics in Benue and Abuja to bring STI services closer to the people,” he stated.
He added that the foundation will provide free condom education and distribution to the public.
On his part, the Senior Advocacy and Marketing Manager at AHF Nigeria, Steve Aborisade, emphasized that AHF will continue to partner with relevant stakeholders in its determination to address STIs in the country.
“As an organization, we will partner with young people and other stakeholders to address the various challenges facing us.”
Also speaking, the Director of Primary Health Care in Keffi, Dogara Dajuma, emphasized the need for continuous collaboration to address STI challenges.
He said the PHC is intensifying campaigns in various localities to combat HIV/AIDS across the country.
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