LIVE UPDATES
The Katsina State Government has affirmed its commitment to curbing the spread of HIV and AIDS within the state by the end of 2030.
Abdullahi Abubakar, the Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics at the State Agency for the Control of AIDS (KATSACA), made this declaration on Monday during the International Women’s Day 2024 event organized by the state chapter of the Association of Women Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (ASWHAN).
Abubakar revealed that in November of the last quarter of 2023, over 20,000 individuals receiving treatment were identified as living with HIV.
However, with the implementation of a new strategy that mandates the capture of comprehensive data, including fingerprint and thumbprint identification for each client, the state aims to intensify its efforts in combating the disease.
Presently, the number of HIV patients undergoing treatment in the state stands at 16,706.
He urged husbands to ensure their wives have access to antenatal care services during pregnancy and encouraged residents to undergo HIV testing to facilitate the identification and treatment of those living with the virus.
Hajiya Asiya Shehu, the State Coordinator of ASWHAN, emphasized the association's dedication to commemorating International Women’s Day 2024 by celebrating women's achievements and advocating for gender equality.
She called for increased efforts from religious leaders to educate the public about marriage, highlighting that women living with HIV and AIDS have the right to marry partners who do not carry the virus.
Shehu Suleiman, Chairman of People Living with HIV in Katsina State, urged members to prioritize medication adherence despite facing stigma and discrimination. He urged both the community and the government to take decisive action in eradicating HIV.
Attendee Hajiya Rabi Marafa encouraged individuals affected or infected with HIV to seek treatment at hospitals and called on KATSACA to intensify sensitization campaigns, particularly in rural areas, to promote HIV testing.
The International Women’s Day, celebrated annually on March 8, features a global campaign theme that persists throughout the year, urging investment in women and accelerating progress towards gender equality.
The theme for 2024, "Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress," underscores the importance of investing in women and girls living with HIV to empower them and improve their quality of life.
During the event, Dr. Bala Nuhu Kankia, the Executive Secretary of KATSACA, was represented by Halima Sani Dankane, the agency's Director of Administration and Supply.
