World AIDS Day: Expert harps on regular HIV test
A medical practitioner at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Kaduna, Dr. Emmanuel Tabat, has stressed the need for Nigerians to go for regular HIV test to know their status and improve their health lifestyle.
Tabat, gave this advice in an interview on Sunday, in commemoration of the World Aids Day.
World AIDS Day is observed every December 1, to raise more awareness on the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection, as well as to remember those who have died of the disease.
The theme of the 2019 World AIDS Day is: “Communities make the difference.’’
The medical expert stressed the need for people, irrespective of their health status, to conduct HIV test screening at least twice a year, saying that “every health practitioner wants to prevent every individual diagnosed with HIV from progressing to AIDS.
“Firstly, it is advised that every individual should regularly do a HIV test. This should be at least once or twice in a year, except for high risk individuals such as commercial sex workers, people married to infected spouses, hospital workers and those dealing with HIV/AIDS patients.”
According to him, the test in most hospitals and HIV/AIDs centres is free and can be done discreetly if the person does not want their identity known.
While advising people living with HIV/AIDS to take their medication seriously so as to prevent any health complications, the doctor stressed the need for the society to stop any form of stigmatisation on persons living with the disease.
Tabat noted that the 2019 theme would further educate the public on HIV/AIDS prevention, control, appropriate treatment and the role communities, government and non-governmental organizations were playing in the AIDS response at international, national and local levels.
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According to the 2019 report by the Joint United Nations Programme on AIDS (UNAIDS) and the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), there is an estimated 1.9 million people living with HIV in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe state has expressed happiness over the drop in HIV prevalence in the state from 3.4 per cent in 2014 to 1.3 per cent in 2019.
Yahaya made this known in a statement signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ismaila Misilli on Sunday, as part of the governor’s goodwill message to commemorate the day in Gombe.
“Today, we celebrate the drop in HIV prevalence in Gombe state, from 3.4 per cent in 2014 to 1.3 per cent in 2019. This great achievement is a result of our collective hard work and commitment.
“Let me appreciate the contributions of our state government’s HIV/AIDS coordinating organ, GomSACA (Gombe state Agency for the Control of Aids) for its effort in the fight against the scourge,” he said.
The governor also acknowledged the contributions of various stakeholders in the fight against the disease, especially donors and implementing partners.
He said others who deserve commendation include civil society groups, traditional and religious leaders, health workers and the media among others.
Yahaya said his administration remains committed to the optimal control of HIV and achieving the target of ending the epidemic by 2030.
He however, urged all stakeholders to remain focused as the country approaches the finish-line of this important race against HIV and AIDS.
The governor urged all stakeholders not relent as the fight against HIV and AIDS is not over until the state records zero prevalence. (NAN)
