Rivers State Government says there are 87 HIV/AIDS treatment centres in the 23 Local Government Areas of the state.
The Permanent Secretary of Rivers State Ministry of Health Dr Caroline Wali, said this in the occasion to mark World AIDS Day.
Dr Caroline Wali explained that over 40 thousand people living with HIV in Rivers State are receiving treatment at the centres.
” Nearly 40 thousand persons are now receiving treatment in about 87 facilities across the state. Inclusive of public, private as well as primary, secondary and tertiary treatment. This years theme is Community makes the Difference. And it has indeed draws the attention of people living or affected with HIV/AIDS”
She further stated hat Rivers State was concerned with those who are yet to know their HIV status.
The permanent Secretary also admitted that Rivers State is among the State with the highest prevalence rate of HIV in Nigeria, adding that 2018 national AIDS indicator and impact survey by the Federal Ministry of Health in University of Maryland USA places Rivers State at third position in the country with the prevalence value of 3.8 after Akwa Ibom and Benue.
She said though it represent a drop from the prevalence value of 15.2% prevalence in 2010. Stating that a large number of estimated people living with HIV’s requires effort to achieve epidemic control technically.
Dr Caroline Wali also assures that the Rivers State Government is committed to the fight against HIV. She advised the people living with HIV/AIDS to visit any of the approved centres and get treatment free.
The Permanent Secretary revealed that recently, the Rivers State governor Nyesom Wike abolished user fees for people living with HIV in the state ,stating that it was the first of its kind in Nigeria.
