Nigeria recorded 300,000 new cases in 2012., even as the country was ranked as number eight among 12 countries in the world that have recorded a decline in the new Human Immuno-deficiency Virus, HIV, infection rate.
However,Benue state still leads other states in the federation in HIV prevalence with a prevalence rate of 10.7 percent,while Kebbi state, with 1.0% recorded the least prevalence rate in the country. Benue State is closely followed by Akwa Ibom with 10 percent, Bayelsa State; 9.1 percent and Anambra, 8.1 percent.In Kaduna which recorded 5.1 percent from seven percent in 2008, Governor Patrick Yakowa promised to ensure zero prevalence in the years to come, as according to him, government would do everything within its power to educate the people and provide drugs for HIV/AIDS patients..
Statistics released by the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research at a programme to mark this year’s World AIDS Day yesterday in Lagos showed that Nigeria and 11 other countries recorded 20 percent reduction in new infection rate between 2001 and 2011.
OFFICIALS of the Anambra State AIDS Control Agency, ANSACA, expressed worry over the 8.7% HIV/AIDS prevalence rate in the state which ranks it fourth in the country, saying that serious measures were being adopted to reduce the scourge.
The Bayelsa State government has reaffirmed its commitment to the well being of people living with HIV/AIDS, according to Governor Seriake dickson who spoke at a charity football match between the Creek Haven Young Stars and Creek Haven All Stars to mark the 2012 World HIV/AIDS Day at the Government House, Yenagoa.
Dickson said government has approved stipends for patients through the State Agency for the Control of HIV/AIDS, BYSACA.
BIG QUESTION:
Do you think HIV/AIDS can be completely wipe out in the world?