By: Sandra Ani
Nigeria has concluded its nationwide survey on HIV, hepatitis and other related diseases, with a credible and near precised knowledge and data on HIV burden in Nigeria, its distribution amongst states and other information.
The survey, Nigeria Aids Indicator and Impact Survey (NAIIS), which had over 100 million dollars funding from United States, was launched by President Muhammadu Buhari, last year in Abuja.
The President explained that the project was meant to ascertain the true state of HIV/AIDS burden in Nigeria and how best to approach the interventions for improved result.
He said the government was unhappy that no accurate database was available to guide local and international interventions on HIV/AIDS and other related diseases.
A top official who supervised the project confirmed that the preliminary report indicated a significant drop in HIV/AIDS burden in Nigeria, in addition to a breakdown of states with high and low prevalence, and other information that are relevant for HIV intervention in Nigeria.
He confirmed that the project was concluded in 22 weeks instead of 24 weeks (July 17 to December 22, 2018) and 700 million dollars was spent so far on the project.
Meanwhile, the National Agency for the Control of Aids (NACA) has confirmed that President Muhammadu Buhari, will present the preliminary report on Wednesday to the world.
NACA said the outcome of the report will herald a significant change in the approach to the fight against HIV/AIDS, hepatitis and other related ailments.