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HIV/AIDS in Nigeria: Alarming SituationMarch 2003, by Nduka Ozor, Coordinator |
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| New reports indicate that there is an increase of HIV among female
students in Nigeria. According to Nigeria Television Authority
Network News (News line) monitored in Lagos on Sunday July 6th
2003, out of 54 female students tested in a Secondary School in
South West Nigeria 34 tested positive. In another development in
south part of Nigeria, of 30 female students tested in a random,
19 were positive while 11 were negative.
Some doctors interviewed said that the recent increase is associated with non-preventive measures like the use of with non-preventive measures like the use of condoms, counseling, and sex education amongst the youths. In my previous reports, I have consistently maintained that, the govt. is not doing much to increase awareness. The concentration of awareness, and other programs in the urban place against rural areas accounts for the high prevalence of HIV/AIDS, for instance, before my organization started awareness campaign in a community of about 450,000 people, 85% of the citizens does not know what HIV/AIDS is, till date, and despite awareness campaigns we have not made serious impact. The youth that are the most vulnerable are still in doubt of the existence of HIV/AIDS. Some have labeled it other names to suit their belief and behavior. There is lack of HIV counseling knowledge even among our doctors and non-government organizations. HIV/AIDS will continue to be on the increase until government commits more resources and include polices that will affect the mitigation of the virus. There must be individual behavioral changes and acceptance of the dreadful virus. In must be individual behavioral changes and acceptance of the dreadful virus. In Nigeria, risky sexual behaviors are driving infection upward at a precipitous rate. The lack or limited government institution and un-even coordination between local and national level affects significant portion of the Nigerian population. According to a projection by John Hopkin University, Center for Health Communication, Nigeria will be among the worst hit of the HIV/AIDS wave in the nearest future, this is because of the very limited public service to mobilize, also with the social and economic impact similar to that in the hardest hit countries in southern and central Africa, decimating key government and business elite, underlying growth and discouraging foreign investment. The report also indicated that “HIV/AIDS has built up significant momentum and the Governments have been slow to respond”. It is therefore my opinion that Governments, non-government organizations, community based organizations, and all other bodies should brace up for the fight ahead. The CBO’S seems to be better positions but are handicapped to fight the pandemic. The leaders of Nigeria are hereby challenged to maintain sustained high - level interest, however, given the scope and severity of other domestic and foreign policy. The spread of the disease can still be controlled if all hands are on deck. |
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