CONTAINING THE SPREAD OF HIV AND AIDS

BY
UMMI BUKAR

Throughout the course of time, man has been battle different diseases; however none have been quite as destructive and ravaging as HIV/AIDS. All over the world, the virus has continued to be responsible for millions of death, and has destroyed countless lives; Africa in particular has recorded the highest casualty. Though HIV prevalence is relatively low in Nigeria, when compared with other African countries, however the nation has not rested on its oars to curtail its spread since the case was first reported in Nigeria in the eighties. It is safe to say that there has never been a disease that has received wide publicity as HIV/AIDS, with adverts over newspaper and televisions, as well as jingles on radio, all geared towards informing people about ways of preventing its spread.
However, despite all the efforts, by the Nigerian government, the media and other non governmental organizations, to curb the spread of HIV in the country, it seems the virus is still very much an issue. Only last year, almost two hundred and fifty deaths were attributed to HIV and AIDS in Nigeria, and records indicate that Nigeria accounts for almost ten percent of the global HIV burden. In 2009, just about thirty percent of HIV patients received treatment for lack of sufficient resources. Although, the government had made available antiretroviral drugs at centres all over the country, many people living with HIV do not go for treatment either because of lack of access to those centres, ignorance or utter negligence. There is therefore the need for greater involvement of Nigerians in efforts to make anti-retroviral drugs available. At the moment most of the drugs are being subsidized by government and international bodies. Nigerians need to collaborate with them to ensure easy availability.

Perhaps it is time to spread a new message as it appears that people living with the virus, particularly in the rural areas, have given up hope. The issue of stigma is another challenge as those tested positive still live in denial. Consequently, they deny themselves the opportunity of getting help. The stigma associated with HIV needs to be seriously addressed. People living with HIV particularly in the rural areas need to be educated so that they can still live a productive life if they take their drugs regularly. This is because inconsistent dosage can increase the risk of HIV becoming resistant to the drugs thereby supporting the process of becoming a full blown AID. The organs of government responsible for HIV and AIDS must also be more alive to its responsibility. They must ensure transparent use of resources available. Government Policies aimed at making the workshop place convenient for those with HIV and AIDS also need to be strengthened. As a nation, we cannot afford to relax our effort in the fight against HIV, we need to encourage and support those living with the virus.

Source: recorded live from FRCN daily commentary