Based on the current prevalence survey carried out, it has been revealed that the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in Niger State has reduced drastically and near extinction.
In a 2014 prevalence survey carried out, the HIV/AIDS disease in the state has reduced from 4.0 per cer to 1.7 per cent.
The Permanent Secretary in the state Ministry of Health and Health Services, Dr. Ibrahim Tiffin, disclosed on Monday in Minna while briefing journalists as part of activities to mark this year’s World AIDS Day, that the disease will end in Nigeria by 2030.
According to Tiffin: “This year’s (2014) survey is below the national average of 3.0 per cent and lowest in the North Central zone of the country. Nigeria is getting to zero and the disease will end by 2030.
“Although, the heterosexual transmission still account for the majority of HIV transmission just as the stigma still remained an enormous challenge to effectively fight the epidemic in Nigeria.”
Tiffin further stated that children are exposed to their share of HIV/AIDS burden through mother to child transmission or loss of one or both parents from the scourge.
Represented by the medical services in the Ministry, Dr. Abdullahi Imam, Tiffin said that in 2015 a total number of 177,988 persons were counseled and tested, out of which 19,396 were found positive and currently 15,444 people are on antiretroviral therapy treatment of HIV/AIDS in Niger State.
He noted that the commemoration was aimed at increasing awareness, educating the people and fighting prejudice.
He vowed that the state of will sustain its determination to the goal of ending AIDS by 2030 as strategies had been put in place to achieve the mandate.