Over 13000 Persons in Bauchi Test HIV Positive, Receiving Treatment

By; MOHAMMED KAWU, Bauchi.
A number of 13, 354 persons who tested positive to the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) which causes AIDS are currently receiving treatment in Bauchi state health institutions.
The figure of HIV infected persons in Bauchi state was revealed by the Executive Secretary of the State Agency for the Control of AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (BACATMA), Dr. Mansur Dada at a press briefing to commemorate the 2016 World AIDS Day in Bauchi.
Dr. Mansur Dada explained that as at 31st October, 2016, 175,503 people were tested for the virus in ten months at various health facilities across the state.
He said that of the persons tested for the virus, 2,168 tested positive, as 1,519 new compliant patients were placed on drugs during the period.
Dr. Dada however noted that there was significant decrease i‎n AIDS prevalence which, he said, dropped from 6.8 percent in 2000 to 0.6 percent.
The BACATMA scribe attributed the success recorded in reducing HIV prevalence in the state to the massive awareness and expansion of health centers providing HIV AIDS related services in the state.
He said that there 195 health facilities at various levels across the state that are offering the services including specialized centres to cater for the patients receiving treatment.
The secretary also said that efforts to prevent mother to child transmission of the HIV virus have been intensified while other preventive measures and counseling are being carried out extensively.
Dada recalled that the agency which was established in 2008 has been working hand in hand with other stakeholders in the health and other sectors to tackle the HIV and AIDS issues in the state.
He commended the Bauchi State government and all other stakeholders for their commitment to fight the menace of HIV AIDS in Bauchi state.