Experts have revealed that over 2.9 million Nigerians living with HIV/AIDS are not receiving treatment needed to supress the infection. Most of them are reportedly hiding and infecting other people with the disease.
The experts revealed this during a scientific symposium to mark this year’s World AIDS Day, organised by the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, NIMR, in collaboration with Nigeria Medical Association, NMA, Lagos branch.
A representative of the Population Council Abuja, Dr. Sylvia Adebajo noted that only 500,000 people are currently on treatment, while the 2.9 million largely men, serve as reservoir for the spread of HIV.
He said “Men do not go to hospital as much as women so they are the most difficult to reach. Those at higher risks include; women, homosexuals, men who engage with drugs and those who have sex with female sex workers.”
Director-General of NIMR, Prof Innocent Ujah also said the AIDS epidemic still claims an estimated two million lives each year, of which about 270, 000 are children.
He said “The multi – year theme since 2012 has been “getting to zero with the three main sub-themes of zero new infections, zero deaths from AIDs – related illnesses and zero discrimination.
“With 90 percent of those on treatment having viral suppression, there will be a drastic break of transmission of new infection and end the HIV/AIDS pandemic by 2030.”
Consultant Haematologist at Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH, Prof. Sulaimon Akanmu added that early detection is the key to survival.
He said “This will help bring their viral load to an undetectable level, where they will likely not infect other people, and is in line with the World Health Organization, WHO’s new treatment guideline for HIV/AIDS.”