A key approach of the HIV response in Nigeria is the focus on Prevention, to further reduce the infection rate.
The HIV prevention drive in Akwa Ibom state is reflected through initiatives by the State Agency for the Control of AIDS -AKSACA, one of which is the heightened sensitization among Adolescents and Young People – AYPs.

Adolescents and Young People are contributing largely to the HIV incidence in the state, as Akwa Ibom with HIV prevalence rate of 5.6% tops the chart in the South-South. This means over 170,000 persons are living with the virus in the state.

The Project Manager, AK-SACA, DR. ARTHUR IGBEMI in an interview with Inspiration FM’s Health Correspondent IMA DEM says for over 10 years, the HIV incidence amongst the young population; ages 10 -24 was not declining.
Dr IGBEMI said as a result of this it has become imperative to intensify awareness on prevention of the Virus and have AYPs who are infected with the virus, lead the campaign.