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.

RISING COVID

With the increased response from residents as the 2^nd phase of the Covid19 vaccination gets underway, there are concerns about the available doses of the Moderna vaccine catering to the growing need of citizens of the state.

It might interest you to know that Akwa Ibom’s Covid19 cases is rising and has become a cause for concern.

As at Saturday August 28, Akwa Ibom had recorded 89 new cases. So far there are 3,901 confirmed cases, 3, 148 discharged, 713 active cases, and 40 deaths.

The state Primary Health Care Agency has said that it is expecting to receive more vaccines.

Hence in the days ahead the state will have more of its citizens vaccinated to aim at herd immunity to curb the spread of the virus as Nigeria battles the 3^rd Wave of Covid19.