Niger State has recorded 2,209 pregnant women and eight infants testing positive for HIV/AIDS between January and October 2023 state.
The Niger State Commissioner for Secondary and Tertiary Healthcare, Dr. Tukur Bello during a press conference to commemorate the 2023 World AIDS Day stated that 34,898 people are currently receiving treatment for HIV across the state.
According to the commissioner, the figures for HIV prevalence in the state have been fluctuating over the years and have dropped to 0.7 percent.
The commissioner, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Mohammed Gana noted that the cases of the eight infants who were tested with HIV were those whose parents did not attend antenatal services.
The commissioner identified the major drivers of the HIV epidemic in the state to include key populations such as female sex workers, persons in correctional centres, gays and transgender, and those who abuse drugs through injections.
Read Also: Fight against HIV/AIDS not over, says AHF Nigeria
He said: “Factors associated with the transmission of new infections include early sexual debut, poor pre-marital screening for HIV, sub-optimal HUV testing services especially amongst children and adolescents, poor knowledge on pre-exposure prophylaxis and post-exposure prophylaxis services.”
The commissioner noted that birth deliveries by unskilled birth attendants have also been identified as a challenge that has increased mother-to-child transmission.
He said that 37 healthcare facilities across the state are currently offering comprehensive HIV services adding that at the community level, teams have been set up at the local government areas to prevent mother-to-child transmission.