ADVERTISEMENT

Nigeria has second highest HIV rate in the world

Nigeria is struggling with the epidemic of HIV.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS stated that Nigeria has the second largest HIV rate in the world and also has one of the highest new infection rates in sub-Saharan Africa.

It was also disclosed by the acting Public Affairs Officer of the United States Consulate, Kevin Krapf during the commemoration of the 2017 World AIDS day held in Lagos that 720,000 Nigerians are on United States PEPFAR-supported HIV treatment.

He also disclosed that approximately four million Nigerians have received HIV counseling and testing services in 2017 and approximately 50,000 pregnant women have received antiretroviral drugs to prevent mother to child transmission of HIV.

ADVERTISEMENT

“Many people living with HIV in Nigeria are unaware of their status due to insufficient recommended number of HIV testing and counselling centres. Low access of antiretroviral treatment remains an issue for people living with HIV in Nigeria, and I welcome the new commitment of the Federal Government of Nigeria to use domestic funds to provide antiretroviral drugs to an additional 50,000 people living with HIV each year.”

As Kapf thanked the Lagos State AIDS Control Agency for their state campaign with counselling and HIV/AIDS testing through its mobile clinic initiative, he said that the state is aligning with the strategic plan of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief.

This was the topic of the commemoration which was organised by the consulate in collaboration with the Lagos State University College of Medicine led by the Provost, Professor Babatunde Solagberu.

FOLLOW BUSINESS INSIDER AFRICA

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Recommended articles

Sony’s creators convention redefines the creative landscape for content creators

Sony’s creators convention redefines the creative landscape for content creators

Egypt, Nigeria, and South Africa ranked as Africa's most polluted countries in new report

Egypt, Nigeria, and South Africa ranked as Africa's most polluted countries in new report

10 African countries with the lowest life expectancy according to the World Bank

10 African countries with the lowest life expectancy according to the World Bank

Kenyan women are more obese than their men - here’s why

Kenyan women are more obese than their men - here’s why

Africa’s richest man Dangote stands between Europe and $17 billion in revenue

Africa’s richest man Dangote stands between Europe and $17 billion in revenue

After months of exchanging blows, Kenya and Uganda takes steps towards resolution

After months of exchanging blows, Kenya and Uganda takes steps towards resolution

Africa's first black billionaire could join $2.9 billion Vivendi bid for MultiChoice

Africa's first black billionaire could join $2.9 billion Vivendi bid for MultiChoice

10 most dangerous African countries in 2024

10 most dangerous African countries in 2024

Russia’s nuclear influence expands further north of Africa

Russia’s nuclear influence expands further north of Africa

ADVERTISEMENT