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HIV/AIDS ravaging Benue, control agency alerts

By Henry Iyorkase, Makurdi

The Acting Executive Secretary of the Benue State AIDS Control Agency (BENSACA), Mr Titus Wango, has revealed that the rate of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) in the state is currently at an alarming level.

In an interview with Weekend Hope on Thursday in Makurdi, the capital city of Benue, Wango disclosed that no fewer than 187,933 people in the state have been infected with AIDS and are currently receiving treatment.

“With this figure,” the Secretary said, “it has placed Benue in second position in Nigeria for the highest number of AIDS cases and first in the North Central region.”

On efforts to curb the spread of the disease, Wango reiterated that the agency is making significant efforts to sensitise the public on the importance of condom use during sexual intercourse to mitigate the epidemic.

However, he acknowledged that despite the state’s high rate of infection, notable progress has been made compared to the past. He stressed that further efforts are needed to ensure sustainability and prevent the spread of the virus, particularly in rural areas.

Wango also highlighted the urgency of taking action to protect the productive population, which has been severely impacted, particularly in light of findings from the National AIDS Impact Indicators Survey, which show that adolescents are the most affected group.

He further reiterated that the state government has made concerted efforts to create an enabling environment for partners to operate within Benue, commending the support from APIN, AHA, and other partners in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Wango urged all stakeholders to continue their support.

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The BENSACA Secretary also cautioned the youth in the state to refrain from reckless sexual behaviour, which often leads to the transmission of incurable diseases, including HIV/AIDS.

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