Abia State Agency Urges Support for People Living with HIV/AIDS

 

The Abia State Agency for the Control of HIV/AIDS (ABSACA) has called on churches, religious organizations, and employers in the state to refrain from rejecting or discriminating against individuals living with HIV. This appeal was made by ABSACA’s Director General, Dr. Uloaku Emma-Ukaegbu, during a one-day sensitization meeting with media representatives in Umuahia.

Dr. Emma-Ukaegbu emphasized that stigma surrounding HIV is a significant barrier to combating the disease. She noted that her office is actively collaborating with government ministries, religious leaders, communities, and educational institutions to dispel misconceptions about HIV infections in the state.

According to the 2018 National survey report, the HIV prevalence rate in Abia is currently 2.1%, affecting individuals between the ages of 15 and 64. The Director General highlighted that Ukwa East Local Government Area has the highest prevalence at 2.48%, followed closely by Ikwuano at 2.38% and Obingwa at 2.29%. In contrast, the local governments with the lowest prevalence rates include Umuahia North (1.17%), Ohafia (1.25%), Bende (1.28%), and Isuikwuato (1.28%).

Dr. Emma-Ukaegbu urged the media to play a vital role in raising awareness and combating the spread of HIV/AIDS. She encouraged individuals living with HIV to remain consistent with their treatment, as discontinuing medication can lead to increased viral loads.

The Director General also advocated for a national policy to begin the domestic production of HIV treatment drugs in Nigeria. She announced ongoing campaigns aimed at preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV in Abia.

Additionally, Mrs. Ekeoma Akidi and Munachi Aguomba from ABSACA expressed concern over the derogatory terms used to describe individuals living with HIV in the media. They noted that some communities have even called for the transfer of teachers diagnosed with HIV, stressing that such harmful practices must cease.