Today, as the world marks World AIDS Day 2025, attention is once again drawn to one of the most significant public-health challenges of our time — the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Since the first case was reported in Nigeria in 1986, the nation has continued to intensify efforts to monitor and reduce new infections through regular national surveys and comprehensive intervention programs.
According to the 2018 NAIIS report, Nigeria’s national HIV prevalence stands at about 1.4 percent, with an estimated 1.9 million people currently receiving treatment. In Abia State, the estimated HIV prevalence is 2.1 percent, and the National Data Repository records 50,879 individuals currently on treatment from the State facilities.
HIV — the Human Immunodeficiency Virus — gradually weakens the body’s defense system, and without treatment, may progress to AIDS, a stage associated with severe illnesses such as persistent fever, chronic diarrhoea, tuberculosis, pneumonia, and extreme weight loss. Transmission occurs mainly through unprotected sexual intercourse, contact with infected blood, and mother-to-child transmission amongst others.
Across the country, the epidemic is fueled by high-risk behaviours including transactional sex, low risk perception, multiple sexual partnerships, gender inequalities, and trans-generational sex. These risks are especially prevalent among key populations such as Sex workers, men who have sex with men, People Who inject Drugs, People in Correctional Centers, transgender persons, and vulnerable adolescents and young women.
This year’s theme is — Overcoming Disruption, Sustaining Nigeria’s HIV Response — in line with this theme, the Abia State government ably led by our Health loving Governor; Dr Alex Chioma Otti has demonstrated a readiness to ensure that the gains hitherto made in HIV response will not dwindle in Abia State. More than other states, ABSACA is poised with the cooperation we enjoy from of our Governor to ensure sustainability of HIV response beyond the exit of donor agencies and all external help. Abia State Agency for the Control of AIDS (ABSACA) continues to lead the state’s strategic response in diverse innovative ways.
Regular HIV Testing Services are conducted across Abia’s 17 Local Government Areas, offering free testing, counselling, and distribution of prevention commodities. Individuals who test positive are also guided through effective management — including good nutrition, lifelong adherence to antiretroviral therapy, and regular medical care. When adhered to correctly, ART suppresses the virus, allowing individuals to live long, healthy lives as well as prevent transmission of the virus to others.
However, cultural beliefs, media influence, and religious misconceptions continue to pose challenges. Harmful practices, stigma, sexualized media content, and discriminatory attitudes hinder progress. Communities are therefore encouraged to uphold positive values — practice abstinence or safer sex, avoid risky behaviour, refuse unscreened blood, and discourage the sharing of sharp objects.
ABSACA identifies strong areas for collaboration including:
* Family and school-based health education
* Formation of HIV/AIDS-free clubs in the schools
* Specialized intervention programs for adolescents and key populations
*Operational Research
* Strengthened surveillance, data reporting and validation
* Support from Faith-Based Organizations, Community Based Organisations, Political Class, Traditional rulers and our Line Mininistries
With the continued commitment of Our government led by our Executive Governor Dr. Alex Otti, partners, civil society groups, and the unwavering support of stakeholders —Abia State remains firmly on track towards achieving the Sustainability Agenda 2030 goal of ending AIDS as a public-health threat.
On this World AIDS Day, the message is clear: HIV is preventable. HIV is manageable. And together, we can overcome disruption and sustain the response for a healthier Abia and a healthier Nigeria.
Okezie Uwakwe
Chief information officer ABSACA
