For this year’s WORLD AIDS DAY, the United Nations insists there is need to talk about the issues of inequality with the Theme; EQUALIZE TO END AIDS.

 

In Nigeria, a more direct focus is on EQUAL ACCESS TO HIV TREATMENT AND PREVENTION SERVICES, as Akwa Ibom State embraces a sub theme which is mainly hinged on ENDING STIGMA AND DISCRIMINATION against persons living with the Virus.

 

This focus is crucial for Akwa Ibom considering that the Anti-Stigma Bill is awaiting assent by Governor UDOM EMMANUEL, 14months after it was passed by the state House of Assembly.

 

In a chat with Newsmen, Acting South South Zonal Director of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS, Mr THOMAS NNAMNSO-OWO affirmed that HIV affects everyone in the society.

Approximately 38.4million persons are living with HIV globally, 1.5million new infections took place in 2021, 650, 000 persons died from AIDS related illnesses, and the world is in danger of increased statistics of new infections following issues of inequality and lean resources.

Speaking about the importance of prioritizing equality, UNAIDS representative In Akwa Ibom State, Dr IDAYAT UTHMAN said equalizing is central to hitting the 2030 END HIV target.