Nigeria Invests 8 Billion to Fight HIV/AIDS In Taraba, Abia

The Nigerian government has released N8 billion for the fight against HIV/AIDS in Taraba and Abia states through a standard disease control programme.

Prof John Idoko, Director General of The National Agency for Control of AIDS/SURE-P HIV Implementation programme, said that the funds were targeted at providing Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) treatment for about 50,000 eligible adults and children. The programme also aims to improve 'Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission' care for 10,000 pregnant women in the two states.

The DG explained that the taking over of AIDS control programme by Taraba State government with support from NACA, was to ensure active involvement of government in HIV/AIDS fight instead of leaving it to international partners alone.

He urged the Taraba State government and all relevant stakeholders to put in their best to ensure that it does not fail.

Dr Robert Chiegel, deputy country director of fhi360, said it has so far provided treatments, care and supports for over 270,000 persons living with HIV/AIDS in the state since it began its operations in Taraba over 10 years ago.

"HIV implementation programme in the state would not fail following the transition from the international partner to the government," he said.

Source: Medindia

AIDS/HIV

"AIDS is an epidemic disease, a potentially preventable, deadly infection for which there is no cure, no vaccine, and it is not under control." - National Commission on AIDS, 1993.

AIDS/HIV - Epidemiology

AIDS or HIV is an epidemic disease, a potentially deadly infection that can be prevented with precautions. AIDS/HIV symptoms manifest long after the actual infection occurs.