5,340 babies, out of 31,450 undergoing HIV treatment in Gombe
Gombe State Agency for the Control of AIDS (GomSACA), says no fewer than 5,340 children out 31,450 persons are undergoing treatment in the state.
Speaking with Punch Healthwise, Project Manager Dr. Suraj Abdulkarim noted that failure of some pregnant women to get tested may be the reason why some of the babies became positive.
Recall that every 1st of December is commemorated as World AIDS day, a day set aside to sensitise people about the scourge and method of prevention. However, 2021 is themed “End Inequalities, End AIDS through a sustainable HIV financing in Nigeria.
According to Abdulkarim, the state grapples with lack of test kits, especially in Primary Healthcare facilities, revealing that such has taken a tow on the rate of number of persons tested.
He lauded donor agencies for supporting about 250 persons living with HIV/AIDS, stressing that their collaboration has also aided the viral suppression in the state.
“31,450 people on treatment, 5,340 are children. Test kit not available in most Primary Health Care facilities. Some pregnant women who did not test during antenatal stage, let to delivering babies with HIV,” Abdulkarim said.
While commenting on the efforts of the agency, the Project Manager revealed that treatment has over 23 percent coverage across the state, noting that the agency has extended awareness to custodial centres, and other specialised groups.
He said, “Increased number of treatment coverage by 23 percent. Monthly support of N10,000 to 250 most vulnerable People Living with HIV (PLHIV) through USAID support this has improved percent of viral suppression from 91 percent to 96 percent.
“Provision of HIV testing kits by state government and Ashaka Cement to
intensify awareness creation activities towards reaching epidemic control, increased access to testing for key vulnerable people such as prisoners, children, adolescent and pregnant women.”
On her part, Bathseba Kalah, State Coordinator Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria, explained the new test kit named oral quick self-test kit, adding only liquid gum (saliva) inside the mouth was required instead of blood.
She called on government to assist in making the oral quick self-test kit affordable, stressing that it cost at N1000 per one may be discouraging.
“it’s well packed with all necessary requirement for HIV test that indicate result after five minutes,” Kalah said.
