The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has debunked a widely-circulated claim that 119 out of 197 persons tested positive for HIV during a recent test in Abuja.
While advocating for safe sex, a doctor alleged that the Red Cross reportedly ran HIV tests for 197 people in the nation’s capital, during which “119 of them were positive and 60% of the positive tests were male”.
The Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS) has since denied conducting any such test in Abuja.
In a Sunday statement titled, “Statement on high HIV prevalence rates in Abuja”, NACA said that accurate data shows that Abuja’s HIV prevalence rate remains at 1.3 percent, while Nigeria has a prevalence rate of 3 percent.
The statement read, “After investigation and reaching out to The Nigerian Red Cross Society, CSOs, CBOs, and other Implementing Partners IPs operating in Abuja, we confirm the statement is entirely FALSE.
“There was no outreach conducted in Abuja, and the claim that 199 people tested positive out of 197 is false. The accurate data shows that Abuja’s HIV prevalence rate remains at 1.3%, while Nigeria has a prevalence rate of 3%.
“Additionally, it is essential to clarify that no outreach anywhere in Nigeria could yield a positive rate of 60%. Such a high prevalence rate is not possible in Nigeria or any other country.
“The false statement has been forwarded to the appropriate authorities that deal with misinformation for appropriate actions.
“As the National Agency for the Control of AIDS, we are dedicated to promoting safe sexual practices, including advocating for abstinence and the correct use of condoms to prevent the transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.
“However, we strongly condemn the use of false statistics to drive this critical message. It is essential to disseminate accurate information to effectively combat HIV/AIDS and promote public health.
“We urge all Nigerians to be faithful to their partners and consistently practice safe sex to protect themselves and others from HIV and other infections. Remember, health is wealth, and each of us must take responsibility for our well-being.
“If anyone requires further information about HIV prevention, testing, or treatment, we encourage them to reach out to our toll-free helpline at 6222. The helpline operates on Airtel, MTN, and 9mobile networks from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, Monday to Friday.
“Let us work together to create a healthier and more informed society, free from the burden of HIV/AIDS and misinformation.”