Trend of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) or Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and Care For People Living with HIV and AIDS in Benue State, North Central, Nigeria

Abstract

This article reveals trend of HIV/AIDS in Benue State, north central, Nigeria. The method adopted was a descriptive analysis of the HIV epidemiology in Nigeria using Benue State as a case study. This review article was through the report of periodic epidemiological surveys of Antenatal Clinic (ANC) sentinel surveys, National HIV and AIDS and Reproductive Health Surveys (NARHS), Nigeria Demographic Health Surveys (NDHS), Integrated Biological and Behavioural Surveillance Surveys (IBBSS), National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), United Nations Agency for AIDS (UNAIDS) and Benue State Agency for the Control of AIDS (BenSACA). This study reveals that, out of the current 1.9 million people representing 1.4% (15-49 years) living with HIV in Nigeria, Benue State accounts for 188,482 representing 4.9%. Thus, Benue State is now second as against the previous reports which have consistently placed Benue State as the state with highest prevalence of HIV/AIDS in Nigeria since the beginning of the pandemic in the country. The new prevalence estimates by states, however, still categorize Benue state and six other states with high prevalence of 2.0% and above. The national prevalence among females is significantly higher at an estimated 1.9% than the male prevalence estimated at 0.9%. In conclusion, the effort of peer educator trainers, awareness of HIV/AIDS on radio and television programs and efforts of other stake holders who are working towards ending the AIDS epidemic have been the secret behind the compliance of Benue people towards spreading news of AIDS not the virus. However, much still need to be done to consolidate on this success.