As part of efforts to combat the HIV and AIDS epidemic in Nigeria, National Agency for the control of AIDS, (NACA) Said that 2030 target for ending the scourge is attainable.
Speaking at
a one day training for journalist organized by NACA in Lagos, with the theme,
“New Trends in HIV/ AIDS”, Assistant Director and the head of survey
unit NACA Dr, Ogbonna Amanze, said as a country we can achieve the target if we
do the right things and put in the necessary measure in place.
He said with
right leadership in place and the support of the international donors with
increasing domestic funds Nigeria will achieve this target.
He further
explained that 95% of what we use to combat HIV/ AIDS is from the foreign donor
and that the federal government should provide means of producing the drugs
locally.
According to
him, the Nigeria AIDS Indicator and Impact Survey is aim at achieving the
UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets, where 90% of people should go for their test and know
their status, 90% should go for HIV treatment and 90% viral load suppression
base on those that are on drugs.
He noted
that prevention of new HIV infections measures to protect from infection all
those at risk, including the unborn, newborn, youth, adolescent and sexually
active adults as well as those exposed environmentally.
“Put in
place measures to suppress the virus in those who are infected in order to
avert new infection in morbidity and mortality.
“We
must also provide care and support to improve the quality of life to people
living with HIV (PLHIV).
He stressed
on ensuring youth, adolescent, sexually active men and women are functionally
knowledgeable, ” HIV – competent” citizens, this is critical to the
success of these strategic trusts.
“We are
advocating to our foreign donors to keep supporting HIV/AIDS response until we
finally win the battle over the monstrous epidemic, “he said
Ending HIV 2030 target attainable – NACA - Blueprint newspapers Limited
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