The Niger State Government on Thursday disclosed that despite efforts by the Federal and States Governments to see that the prevalence of HIV/AIDS is reduced to the barest minimum, at least 38,552 persons have been confirmed to be living with the deadly disease in the state.
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ibrahim Babamini Sule, who disclosed this during a post-State Executive Council briefing in Government House, Minna, said that over 616,994 samples were tested.
According to Sule: “We are trying to reduce the prevalence rates of the HIV/AIDS below the national average over the last two years.
“Over 616,994 samples were tested out of which 38,552 positive.
“Presently, 24,988 of them are receiving free anti-retroviral drugs from the various centres opened by the government.”
Dr. Sule, who was represented by the Commissioner for Livestock and Fisheries Development, Dr. Isa Vatsa, said the positive result posted in the fight against HIV/AIDS was as a result of the political will displayed by Governor Babangida Aliyu and the collaboration of the state with international donor organisations.
He disclosed that “the National average prevalence rate in the state remains 4.1 per cent according to the latest statistics from the Ministry of Health and the State Action Committee Against AIDS.
“The average is 4.0 per cent.”
Sule also disclosed that the World Bank is presently supporting the HIV/AIDS campaign in the country with an interest free loan of $225 million over the next four years.
According to him: “Out of the loan, the Niger State Government has in two years been able to draw over N67.5 million and the loan has a maturity period of 40 years before repayment could commence.”
In the meantime, the Commissioner has disclosed that the Bill and Melinda Gate foundation has given the Niger State Government an award for its sustained war against polio.
The award, according to Sule, came along with a $500,000 prize.
If added to the $500,000 to be spent on polio eradication, this comes to $1 million.
However, the additional $500,000 will have the state government providing a $250,000 counterpart funding.
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