Anambra reports 3,138 new HIV cases within 10 months

A total of 257,953 people tested for HIV in Anambra between January and October 2024, and at least 3,138 were positive, according to the Anambra State Aids Control Agency (ANSACA).

The numbers were presented on Thursday in Awka during a media conference to commemorate World AIDS Day, which has always been observed on December 1st since 1988.

World AIDS Day is celebrated worldwide to honour the lives impacted by the pandemic and to increase awareness of HIV and AIDS.

This year’s commemoration had the global theme: ‘Take the Rights Path, Sustain HIV Response, Stop HIV Among Children to End AIDS in Nigeria by 2030′.

According to Obidike the Commissioner of health Anambra, the state made great progress in combating HIV/AIDS by providing complete services to 175 medical facilities throughout the state.

He said, “From January to October 2024 alone, 257,953 individuals were tested for HIV, with 3,138 (1.2 per cent) newly testing positive.”

“An impressive 99 per cent of those who tested positive, were successfully linked to antiretroviral therapy (ART). Currently, 49,067 individuals living with HIV have been placed on Anti-retroviral treatment.”

“As part of HIV prevention efforts, the state, through its partners’ support, has distributed 1,406,744 condoms and 26,640 lubricants to support safe practices among key populations and the general public.”

“These distributions underline the state and its partners’ commitment to mitigating transmission risks and supporting comprehensive prevention strategies”.

The Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) initiative, according to the Commissioner, has been essential to the state’s success in lowering the prevalence of HIV in children.

Spectrum forecasts, according to Obidike, showed that 5,167 pregnant women in Anambra were expected to need PMTCT services in 2024.

“Through the efforts of mentor mothers and partners in the communities, 56,199 antenatal attendees tested for HIV, and 560 HIV-positive pregnant women (both known and new cases) were identified and were successfully linked to care.

“The integration of innovative diagnostics like m-PIMA machines for Early Infant Diagnostics has improved our ability to test HIV-exposed infants and ensure they are linked to care promptly.

“This is a significant stride toward ensuring healthier outcomes for mothers and their babies,” he said.

According to Obidike, the state government started the HIV anti-discrimination Act’s domestication in order to safeguard the rights of individuals living with HIV and combat gender-based violence and stigma.