Over 50,000 Living with HIV/AIDS in Kogi State, Says Agency Head
More than 50,000 people are currently living with HIV/AIDS in Kogi State, according to Ibrahim Anate, the Acting Executive Secretary of the Kogi State Agency for the Control of AIDS (KOSACA). Anate made this disclosure during a road walk organized to commemorate the 2024 World AIDS Day in Lokoja, the state capital.
Access to Treatment and Ongoing Efforts
Speaking to journalists at the event, which was organized in collaboration with the Centre for Integrated Health Programmes (CIHP), Anate revealed that of the total number of people living with HIV in the state, 36,066 are currently receiving anti-retroviral treatment.
“We are working tirelessly to ensure that people living with HIV have uninterrupted access to anti-retroviral drugs. Our efforts include reaching out to communities, including the hard-to-reach areas, to spread awareness about HIV/AIDS and encourage testing and treatment,” Anate stated.
Support from the State Government
Anate praised Governor Usman Ododo for his administration’s commitment to addressing the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the state. According to him, the governor has been providing critical support to the Ministry of Health and KOSACA to strengthen the fight against the disease.
“The governor is working tirelessly to ensure that people living with HIV/AIDS can access the necessary treatment. His administration is also making efforts to ensure that HIV-positive pregnant women deliver babies free from the virus,” Anate said.
He highlighted the government’s focus on prevention and awareness campaigns, particularly in remote areas of the state, as part of its strategy to combat the spread of the virus.
Call for Action on Anti-Stigma Legislation
Anate also called on Governor Ododo to sign the Anti-Stigma HIV Law, which has already been passed by the Kogi State House of Assembly. The legislation is aimed at protecting the rights of people living with HIV/AIDS and reducing the stigma associated with the condition.
“This law is crucial for ensuring that those living with HIV are not discriminated against in society. We urge the governor to prioritize its enactment as part of the state’s comprehensive approach to addressing HIV/AIDS,” he added.
Progress in Preventing Mother-to-Child Transmission
Anate emphasized the state’s commitment to eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV. He assured the public that KOSACA, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, is actively working to ensure that pregnant women who test positive for HIV receive the necessary interventions to deliver HIV-negative babies.
“The current administration is not only focusing on providing treatment but is also striving to reduce new infections and improve the quality of life for those living with HIV. With the support of various stakeholders, we aim to turn the tide against HIV in Kogi State,” he said.
Ongoing Awareness Campaigns
The World AIDS Day road walk served as a platform to sensitize the public about HIV prevention, testing, and treatment. Participants included healthcare workers, community leaders, and civil society organizations.
Anate reiterated the importance of community participation in the fight against HIV/AIDS, urging individuals to take advantage of free testing and counseling services available across the state.
“Our ultimate goal is to achieve an HIV-free generation in Kogi State. We can only achieve this if everyone plays their part by knowing their status and supporting those affected,” he concluded.
Looking Ahead
With over 50,000 people affected, the fight against HIV/AIDS remains a significant public health challenge in Kogi State. However, the collaborative efforts of the government, health agencies, and community organizations offer hope for reducing the disease’s impact and improving the lives of those living with the virus.
