30/11/2025
Abia Records 2.1% HIV Prevalence, Passes Anti-Stigma Law As State Intensifies PMTCT Campaign |
The Abia State Agency for the Control of HIV/AIDS (ABSACA) has disclosed that the state’s HIV prevalence stands at 2.1 per cent, based on the 2018 National AIDS Indicator and Impact Survey (NAIIS), compared to the national average of 1.4 per cent.
Director General of ABSACA, Dr. Mrs. Uloaku Ukaegbu, made this known in an interview to mark World AIDS Day 2025, explaining that the figure translates, in simple terms, to about two out of every 100 Abians being HIV positive.
She clarified, however, that the over 50,000 persons currently on antiretroviral treatment in facilities across Abia include a significant number of clients from neighbouring states such as Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Enugu and Imo, who seek care in Abia because of fear of stigma in their home communities.
On prevention, Dr. Ukaegbu strongly emphasized Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) as a critical area of focus, insisting that no innocent child deserves to be born with HIV.
“Every pregnant woman should register for antenatal care and get tested. The HIV test is free, the PMTCT medication is free, and even the prophylaxis given to the baby after birth is free,” she said.
She explained that a mother can transmit HIV to her child during pregnancy, delivery or breastfeeding, but that proper medical supervision, early commencement of treatment and strict adherence drastically reduce this risk.
The DG also announced that Abia has successfully passed an Anti-Stigma and Discrimination Law for persons living with HIV, championed with the support of the state’s First Lady, Mrs. Priscilla Otti.
“Anybody who stigmatizes or discriminates against a person living with HIV in Abia now has legal questions to answer. Our First Lady has been a true mother to them—meeting with their networks, supporting and encouraging them,” she noted.
As part of activities marking World AIDS Day, she said all 17 local government areas are hosting church services, rallies and media sensitisation, including jingles and commentaries, to drive home the message that HIV is no longer a death sentence if detected early and managed properly.
Dr. Ukaegbu expressed optimism that with sustained efforts in treatment, prevention, support and legal protection, Abia State will contribute significantly to achieving the global vision of ending HIV/AIDS by 2030.
