By Chuks Uzochukwu
The Director General, Imo State Agency for the Control of HIV/AIDS (IMOSACA), Dr Charles Durueke has disclosed that about 57,230 people are currently living with the HIV/AIDS infection in the state.
Durueke who made the disclosure in an event marking this year World AIDS Day held in Owerri, Tuesday, said that the agency is committed to achieving zero new infections, zero discrimination against people living with the infection and zero AIDS related deaths in 2020.
The IMOSACA boss furthered that the agency has also engaged key stakeholders in the state for development of strategic plan (SSP) 2021-2025, which he said, would give a clear toadmp in the fight against HIV/AIDS in the state in the next 5 years.
He explained that, "Imo State is targeting an estimated 327, 011 people living with HIV (PLHIV) by 2025, considering projected increase in HIV testing services with the introduction of new testing methods with a target of 91%ART coverage to be achieved by 2025."
Also according to him, "report of 2018 Nigeria AIDS indicator and Impact Survey (NAIIS) shows that Imo has a prevalence rate of 1.8% above national prevalence rate of 1.4% .The Survey puts the state among the 7-1 HIV high burden states in Nigeria."
He said ,"it is noteworthy that the state recorded about 48% ART coverage in 2019 with 29,785 treatment gap. Next year, we will surpass the target. Out of the estimated number of 57, 230 PLHIV in the state in 2020 we are expecting to place at 52% on Anti retroviral Therapy (ART). We hope to reach this target and beyond by the end of the year."
The medical expert stressed on the need for increased awareness campaign on the prevention of HIV/AIDS pandemic in the state, while appreciating the role pf the state government led by Governor Hope Uzodinma towards achieving reduced number of PLHIV in the state.
Also speaking, Imo State Commissioner for Health, Dr (Mrs) Damaris Osunkwo reaffirmed the commitment of Imo State Government to the wellbeing of people living with HIV/AIDS and all entire people of the state.
According to Osunkwo who spoke on behalf of Governor, the state was working towards reducing the prevalence rate of the disease in the state in 2021.
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