The Abia State government has rejected reports of an alarming rise in cases of HIV/AID in the state.
The government through the Director General of the Abia State Agency for the Control of AIDS (ABSACA), Dr. Uloaku Emma Ukaegbu clarified that reports suggesting certain areas within Abia State are grappling with high HIV prevalence were untrue.
Dr. Ukeagu disclosed this in a press briefing held in Umuahia on Wednesday, emphasizing that the data making the rounds is woefully outdated, hailing from a survey conducted as far back as 2018.
She stressed that this old data no longer reflects the current reality on the ground, stating, “We are now in 2025, and the situation has changed significantly.
“The figures cited are not current, and we have made huge progress in addressing the health challenges since then,” she said.
Dr. Ukaegbu attributed this significant progress to the visionary and proactive leadership of Governor Alex Chioma Otti, whom she praised as being “ever supportive and health-friendly”.
“ Under Governor Otti’s administration, Abia State has witnessed a monumental upgrade in its healthcare infrastructure across the board.
This includes the strengthening of Primary Health Care centers, which has ensured that even previously underserved areas now have access to critical interventions.
Specifically, the local government areas of Ukwa East, Ikwuano, and Obingwa areas that were once flagged for having high HIV cases based on the outdated 2018 survey have been prioritized in the distribution of intervention materials and programs aimed at curbing the spread of HIV,” she explained.
Looking ahead, Dr. Ukaegbu announced that ABSACA, in collaboration with other health stakeholders, is currently undertaking a new and comprehensive health survey.
“This survey is designed to provide up-to-date statistics that will not only reflect the current state of HIV/AIDS in Abia State but also guide future interventions more effectively,” she said.
Expressing her confidence in the health trajectory of Abia State, Dr. Ukaegbu declared, “With our consistent efforts and investments, Abia is on track to become one of the best medical cities in Nigeria.”
This optimistic outlook explains the state’s commitment to healthcare excellence and its determination to protect and improve the well-being of its citizens.
