Taraba State Chapter of the Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN) has said that a total of 110 849 people are living with the HIV/AIDS in the state.
The group also called on the state House of Assembly to allocate 15 per cent of the state’s budget to the health sector.
National Coordinator of NEPWHAN, Edward Ogenyi said this during the commencement of a five-day massive awareness campaign on the disease by NEPWHAN in collaboration with the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) -SURE-P HIV/AIDS programme.
Ogenyi said “The total number of people living with HIV/AIDS in the state is about 110 849 and those eligible for HIV treatment is 54 120.
“This is one of the most important steps towards ending AIDS epidemic. It is very essential because HIV counseling and testing is very important for everyone as it is an entry point towards accessing quality health care and social services.”
He urged people to get tested for the disease especially pregnant women so as to save the future generation.