Ukwa-East, Ikwuano, Obingwa Top HIV Infection Rates in Abia

Despite notable progress in HIV control across Abia State, Ukwa East Local Government Area continues to record persistently high infection rates, prompting renewed calls for community-driven action at the grassroots level.

This concern was raised during a sensitization workshop organized by the Abia State Agency for the Control of AIDS (ABSACA) on Thursday at Gado Hotels, Umuahia. The event brought together Ward Development Committee (WDC) members, health professionals, civil society groups, and community leaders to strengthen the state’s HIV prevention strategies at the ward level.

In her keynote address, ABSACA Director-General, Dr. Uloaku Emma-Ukaegbu, highlighted that Ukwa East (2.48%) tops the list of local government areas with high HIV prevalence, followed closely by Ikwuano (2.38%) and Obingwa (2.29%).

“While Abia has reduced HIV prevalence from 5.1% in 2018 to 2.1% in 2024, these LGAs remain areas of concern. We need to take targeted action where the burden is still high,” she said.

Dr. Emma-Ukaegbu described WDCs as the “backbone” of community HIV intervention and urged them to lead town hall meetings, market outreaches, and faith-based engagements to promote prevention, testing, and treatment.

According to her, 46,788 people are currently receiving HIV treatment in Abia. Nationally, 75,000 new infections and 45,000 AIDS-related deaths were recorded in 2023, with an estimated 1.9 million Nigerians living with HIV, according to the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA).

ABSACA Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Mr. Chinedu Iroh, emphasized the importance of prevention, particularly condom use, as a key method to reduce transmission and prevent other sexually transmitted infections.

“Prevention remains our strongest weapon. We must continue to educate and encourage early testing,” Iroh said.

Former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and current Community Mobilization Officer, Mrs. Ekeoma Akidi, called for greater involvement of traditional and religious leaders in HIV advocacy to help break stigma and normalize conversations around the disease.

“People should never fear getting tested or treated because of stigma. Our communities must become safe spaces for dialogue and compassion,” Akidi stressed.

At the end of the workshop, WDC members pledged to intensify sensitization across all wards. Strategies agreed upon include:

Door-to-door awareness campaigns and interactive community sessions

Free HIV testing at markets, schools, and places of worship

Promotion of the ABC approach: Abstinence, Being faithful, and Condom use

Expanded education on PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) and PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) for at-risk individuals

Speaking on behalf of WDCs, Mr. Isika Peter from Ibere 1 Ward in Ikwuano LGA reiterated their commitment to monitoring HIV services and improving community access.

Dr. Emma-Ukaegbu closed with a call to action: “If we are serious about achieving zero new infections by 2030, then every ward member, every leader, and every family must be involved. We are committed to supporting community-led solutions and integrating HIV response into our broader development agenda.”

With sustained outreach, peer support, and a united stand against stigma, Abia State aims to be a model in the national fight to end HIV.