70,000 babies infected with HIV yearly – NACA

By VICTORIA OJEME

ABUJA-The Federal Government, Monday, in Abuja, expressed concern over the increase in the spread of HIV/AIDS, with a revelation that no fewer than 70,000 babies were born annually with the disease in the country.

Director-General of National Agency for the Control of HIV/AIDS, NACA, Professor John Idoko, who said this at a briefing to mark World AIDS Day in Abuja, stated that the ratio of prevalence was higher in women with about 1.72 million women living with the disease.

He hinged the prevalence of the disease in women on inequality in status with men.

Idoko said: “The prevalence rate of HIV in Nigeria has reduced from 4.6 per cent (2008) to 4.1 per cent in 2010, according to the latest sentinel survey. There is evidence supported by the United Nations that HIV is stabilising in some countries including Nigeria.

“While we have noticed a reduction in HIV prevalence in Nigeria, the high rate in some states is still a source of concern to the National HIV response. We will try to make testing available for every pregnant woman because it is not acceptable that 60,000 to 70,000 children are born HIV-positive annually.

“More women (about 1.72 million) than men are living with HIV in the country as a result of inequity in the social, political and economic status of women in Africa in general and in Nigeria in particular.”