Kano state HIV Prevalence Rate Drops To 0.5 Percent
By Jack Acheme & Tukur Arab, Kano
Kano State Government says HIV/AIDS prevalence rate in the state has dropped to 0.5 percent
The State Governor, Dr. Umar Ganduje gave the indication at the 2020 HIV/AIDS Commemoration Day, with the theme: ‘Global Solidarity and Shared Responsibility’ and a sub theme: United to end HIV AIDS in the midst of COVID-19.
He said Kano state has about 35,000 people currently under HIV treatment with viral suppression rate of over 90 percent.
“It is satisfying to know that HIV prevalence in Kano state has drastically reduced from 2.5 percent to 0.5 percent according to the 2018 report.
“However this not the time to rest on our oars or being complacent but to redouble our effort so that Kano is safe from HIV AIDS,” said the Governor.
He said the success is being achieved through commitment, robust and sustained collaboration of all stakeholders in the state including international donor agencies.
According to data, the HIV suppression level in the state via intensified treatment improved from 9,346 to 18,500 in 2019.
He said COVID-19 and HIV have similar characteristics of demeaning human beings and reducing livelihood.
“Eliminating stigma and discrimination, putting people at the center, respecting people’s right, avoiding gender discrimination are key to ending the twin effect of HIV and COVID-19.”
“The twin existence of the disease is an opportunity for the world to see things differently, better, together and the only way to defeat HIV/AIDS depends on how the world responds to COVID-19,” said Ganduje.
He said the burden of HIV on women and babies in Nigeria and Sub-Sharan Africa remains a cog in the wheel of the region’s social economic development.
“The state government will continue to provide needed commodity to ensure that every woman that attends Anti-Natal is screened free of charge and if positive is placed on free treatment,” said the Governor.
Ganduje at the event empowered HIV victims to strengthen their economic powers.
The Director General Kano State Agency for the Control of Aids (KSACA) Sabitu Shanono said effective supervision of the beneficiaries will be done ensure effective and sustainable of the gesture.
The twin existence of the disease is an opportunity for the world to see things differently better and together and the only way to defeat HIV/AIDS depends on how the world responds to COVID-19.
