Following the discovery of Hiv/Aids in 1981 globally, african countries, under the then Organisation of African Unity (OAU), organised the first Africa Unity summit to craft a continental response to the emerging scourge.

The first Nigerian case was reported at an international aids conference in 1986.
Worried by the findings, the federal government immediately initiated proactive measures to check the situation and curb the spread of the scourge. Regrettably the virus has continued to penetrate every nook and cranny of the country, claiming lives.

As the world prepares to mark another aids day, concerns are again raised on the workability of various moves initiated to increase awareness on prevention, control and access to medication by people living with the virus.

Correspondent Tamunobarabi Ibulubo surveys the situation and reports that the Rivers State Agency for the Control of HIV/Aids has already keyed into the national HIV/Aids control programmes by setting up a website to achieve proper co-ordination of related activities.


The Federal Government approach was to set up the National Aids Advisory Committee to assist government articulate requisite programmes module and fund allocation. This led to the establishment of the National Action Committee on Aids, NACA in 2001 under the Obasanjo administration and the mapping out of a three year plan to address the problem that has posed enormous threat to productive strength of the youth in the country.

Subsequent surveillance revealed that positives’ figure had grown from 3.8% in 1993 to about 4.5% in 2005. And in 2007 alone, 170,000 people died of Aids.
Rivers State Strategic Plan Consultant, Mrs Ufon Udofia said though the knowledge level of Aids has grown, it had not impacted positively on expected behavioural change, prevention, treatment, care and support including advocacy. She noted that 17 million people have died of Aids with 25 million people living with HIV in Africa.

Mrs Udofia said the 135,614 adults, 9322 children living with HIV in Rivers State was part of the 3 million people infected with the virus in Nigeria adding that attention should be paid to immigrants and sex workers with a sectorial collaboration to tackle poverty that has compelled women to indulge in unprotected sexual activities.

Some members of the public who said they believe that HIV/Aids is real said the mode adopted in the several media jingles and campaigns heighten fear among them. They sued for consistent approach aimed at controlling the scourge, not only in the urban areas but also in the rural areas of the state.

Mr Peter Gad and Angel Ebi tested positive in 2005 and said because they knew their status early, they have learnt how to manage their health living happily, undertake their various NGO, academics and other social functions. They said with knowledge, they have overcome stigma and have also resolved to help other positives live normal lives.

While commending the private and civil society organization for their various initiatives in the state the project manager, Rivers State Agency for the Control of HIV/Aids, Dr. Chimeze Okey said with the state’s five years Aids plan coming on stream, he would ensure that NGOs in the partnership do not divert funds. Dr. Okey noted that the last programme failed because it was drawn up in a hurry without a consideration of the peculiarities of the state adding that all efforts will be coordinated to fight the culture of silence, stigma and encourage prevention.

Mr. Greg Chima Anyanwu is the executive Director of Health Education and Environment Crusaders, said no serious NGO will divert funds dedicated to the project adding that with effective collaboration and coordination of the several HIV/Aids related activities, the fight against the scourge will be successful.

The message that most campaigns reinforce is that positives should not be discriminated but treated with love. However, the strongest point is on prevention to save vulnerable youths between 14-24 years from the scourge.