The JIGAWA State Agency for the control of AIDS (JISACA) spent over N1.4bn in 2013 on antiretroviral therapy for 4000 registered persons living with the virus in the state.
The executive secretary of the agency, Dr. Bashir Ahmed, made the disclosure
while speaking to newsmen in Dutse during a rally to mark World HIV/AIDS Day in
the state.
Ahmed said, “each victim received over N36,000 every month, and they are
about 4,000 in number. It is a simple calculation multiply N36,000 by 4,000 for
12 months.”
The executive secretary indicated that the agency requires over N235m yearly
for the provisions of HIV/AIDS test kits in the state.
He said lack of adequate funds is the main challenge of the agency, adding that
due to awareness, many more victims are enlightened and registered with the
agency through their associations.
He explained that his agency is in need of over N235m to provide enough kits
for 14 designated secondary health centers and five primary health centres in
the state every year.
He noted that the prevalence of the diseases is on the decline in the state.
“We are now the second state with the least people leaving with HIV/AIDS in the
federation.
This
followed the support and cooperation we are getting from the state government,
non governmental organisations and the general public.”
Ahmed indicated that the agency’s priority is on public enlightenment campaign
against the spread of the disease and ensuring the victims are not stigmatised
in their communities.
He said, presently, there are only 4000 people living with HIV/AIDS registered
in the state, adding that every year the agency tests over 40,000 people, and
that those found to be living with the disease are negligible due to mass
campaign against spread of the disease.
He expressed satisfaction with support and assistance from the state government,
National HIV/AIDS Control Agency (NACA), volunteers and NGOs.
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