The Chairman of Oyo State Company for the Management of AIDS, Gbola Adetunji, on Sunday, urged pregnant girls to register for Antenatal Care and guarantee they bear an HIV check to find out their HIV standing.
He gave this recommendation whereas addressing journalists throughout a marketing campaign organised to commemorate the 2024 World AIDS Day in Ibadan, the state capital of Oyo state.
Adetunji emphasised that Nigeria contributed considerably to the worldwide HIV burden, significantly amongst kids.
He mentioned, “In keeping with UNICEF, in 2020, Nigeria accounted for a considerable variety of new little one HIV infections worldwide, with an estimated 21,000 new infections, the best globally.
“Nigeria has the third-largest HIV burden on the planet, after Mozambique and South Africa, with an HIV prevalence of two.9% amongst pregnant girls.”
The chairman additional urged them to bear HIV testing not less than twice throughout being pregnant, throughout antenatal care and labor, to shortly decide their standing.
“If examined optimistic, correct antiretroviral medicine could be administered to stop the unborn little one from contracting the virus.
“Ending AIDS requires prioritising and interesting everybody who resides with, in danger for, or affected by HIV, together with susceptible and marginalized populations akin to kids, males who’ve intercourse with males, transgender individuals, individuals who use medicine, intercourse employees, and folks in prisons and different closed settings. That is important to make sure an efficient and sustainable response to HIV that honours the suitable to well being.”
Talking on this yr’s World AIDS Day themed, “Take The Proper Paths: Maintain HIV Response And Cease HIV Amongst Youngsters,” Adetunji mentioned OYSACA had outlined a week-long of actions involving numerous stakeholders within the state to commemorate the day.
He underscored the significance of not stigmatising individuals dwelling with power illnesses however fairly supporting them and exhibiting them love.
The chairman careworn that discrimination, stigma, and exclusion stay main challenges confronted by these affected by the illness.
“Folks dwelling with HIV/AIDS are sometimes denied entry to healthcare, training, and employment alternatives as they’re additionally going through discrimination of their properties, faculties, and communities. This not solely hinders their capacity to reside a satisfying life, but it surely additionally will increase their vulnerability to new HIV infections.”
“By defending everybody’s proper to well being and lowering new infections, we will obtain an AIDS-free technology and make sure the sustainability of the HIV response.”
He admonished the general public to benefit from the free HIV testing out there throughout the commemoration of World AIDS Day to get examined and work in the direction of ending HIV/AIDS by 2030.