The prevalence of HIV/AIDS in Akwa Ibom State remains high. The state has had the highest burden of HIV in Nigeria, with 5.5 percent, according to Nigeria HIV/AIDs Indicator and Impact Survey (NAIIS).
According to Akwa Ibom State programme data 2022, about 240,000 persons are currently on treatment of HIV/AIDS in the state.
From the number, HIV gender disparity between females and males is high due to biological and social reasons showing that females are the worst hit.
HIV prevalence was greatest among younger adults, with females aged 20-24 years (1.3 percent) having almost four times the prevalence of males in the same age group (0.4percent).
As at June this year, 10,833 adolescents and young persons are on medications hence the need for positive living to ensure they adhere to viral suppression and epidemic control, according to the survey.
According to the Executive Secretary/ CEO of the State Health Insurance Agency, Dr Edith Mathias Igbemi at a sensitisation programme on HIV/AIDS in the state, women are recording high prevalence of HIV. And calls for more awareness on control measures.
The LGAs with high prevalence of HIV in Akwa Ibom include Ikono, Obot Akara, Ikot Ekpene, Uyo, Uruan, Ibesikpo, Nsit Ubium, Eket, Ibeno and Oron.
