The Abia State Agency for the Control of AIDS (ABSACA) has reported a significant drop in HIV prevalence from 5.1% in 2018 to 2.1% in 2024. The announcement was made by ABSACA Director General, Dr. Uloaku Ukaegbu, during a one-day sensitization workshop for Ward Development Committee (WDC) members in Umuahia, aimed at boosting community involvement in HIV prevention across the state’s 17 local government areas.
Dr. Ukaegbu revealed that 46,788 individuals are currently receiving HIV treatment in Abia. However, she expressed concern over persistently high infection rates in areas like Ukwa East, Ikwuano, and Obingwa. She called on WDC members to lead grassroots campaigns, including town hall meetings, market outreaches, and faith-based engagements, to raise awareness about HIV prevention, testing, and treatment.
Mr. Chinedu Iroh, ABSACA’s Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, emphasized prevention as the cornerstone of reducing HIV transmission. He urged sexually active individuals to use condoms to curb the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, while commending WDC members for their community outreach efforts.
Mrs. Ekeoma Akidi, a former permanent secretary and resource person, highlighted the role of traditional and religious leaders in combating stigma and discrimination, which she described as major barriers to effective HIV control. She encouraged residents to undergo testing to know their status and access timely treatment.
Participants, including Mrs. Ima Chioma (Umunneochi), Mr. Theophilus Ngwaba (Isialangwa North), and Mr. Chinenye Amako (Ikwuano), pledged to implement workshop strategies to support the World Health Organization’s goal of ending AIDS by 2030. They also urged ABSACA to extend the training to rural areas, emphasizing the importance of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) for high-risk groups.
ABSACA’s efforts reflect a renewed push to sustain the downward trend in HIV prevalence through community-driven initiatives and increased awareness.