Despite extensive awareness efforts by the government and various donor agencies, the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in Akwa Ibom State remains notably high.
Akwa Ibom State has consistently held the undesirable top position for several years as the state with the highest burden of HIV in Nigeria, with a prevalence of 5.5%, as reported by the Nigeria HIV/AIDS Indicator and Impact Survey (NAIIS).
This top-ranking status, while infamous, raises serious concerns.
As of 2022, Akwa Ibom State program data indicates that approximately 240,000 individuals are presently undergoing HIV/AIDS treatment in the state.
Among these, there is a significant gender disparity, with females being disproportionately affected by HIV due to both biological and social factors.
HIV prevalence is most pronounced among younger adults, particularly females aged 20-24 years, who have an HIV prevalence nearly four times that of males in the same age group.
As of June 2023, 10,833 adolescents and young individuals were receiving HIV medications, underscoring the importance of promoting positive living to ensure adherence to viral suppression and epidemic control.
Dr. Edith Mathias Igbemi emphasized that women are experiencing a high prevalence of HIV and called for increased awareness of control measures.
Certain local government areas (LGAs) in Akwa Ibom, including Ikono, Obot Akara, Ikot Ekpene, Uyo, Uruan, Ibesikpo, Nsit Ubium, Eket, Ibeno, and Oron, have notably high HIV prevalence rates.
Igbemi acknowledged that the state has made progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS, particularly in terms of improved case finding through Index Case Testing and other methods.
The 2021 publication of the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Health suggested a drop in the prevalence rate to 4.4%, but this is subject to approval by the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) through another survey.
She called for increased collaboration with stakeholders and development partners to enhance HIV prevention activities among adolescents and young girls in the state.
Mrs. Cecilia Ekanem, a health worker, identified low access to antenatal care as a factor contributing to HIV transmission from mother to child in the state. She stressed the importance of exclusive breastfeeding for mothers as it strengthens the baby’s immunity against diseases, including HIV.
Efforts are being made to reduce HIV levels in the state. All pregnant women are tested, and those who test positive receive medication. Exclusive breastfeeding is encouraged for the first six months to prevent transmission of the virus.
One person living with HIV, named Edikan, shared his story and emphasized that HIV is not a death sentence. He encouraged people to get tested and take action after learning their status, despite the stigma experienced by People Living with HIV in the state.
To combat stigma, Dr. Enobong Akpan, the Manager of the Akwa Ibom State Agency for the Control of AIDS (AKSACA), called for the domestication of anti-stigma and discrimination laws in the state. He pledged to take action against any organization or institution found to stigmatize HIV-positive individuals.
Dr. Edith Igbemi noted that stigma remains a driving factor in the epidemic, particularly among young people. A study revealed that many people were hesitant to disclose their HIV status due to fear of stigmatization. Females tend to experience more stigma than males in the state.
Gideon Solomon of the Heartland Alliance highlighted the lack of access to prevention materials like condoms and pre-exposure prophylaxis (Prep) as factors contributing to HIV’s spread in the state. He encouraged individuals to take HIV tests and consistently follow prevention procedures, especially for those on PreP, which significantly reduces the risk of HIV infection.