HIV, AIDS prevalence rate in Abia worries doctors

Umuahia—Abia State chapter of Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, has expressed concern over the progressive prevalence rate of HIV and AIDS in the state.

The group had, as part of activities marking its 2011 Physicians’ Week, organised a pep talk in some selected public schools in Umuahia.

Dr Nwogu Kelechukwu, a medical practitioner at the Federal Medical Centre, noted that the prevalence rate had been on the increase since 1999.

Nwogu, while addressing students of Technical School, Afara, in Umuahia North Local Government Area, said the situation had become a source of concern to the association.
He said the HIV rate had been on a steady rise from 3 per cent in 1999; 3.3 per cent in 2001; 5 per cent in 2007 to 7 per cent in 2010.
He said the association decided to target the younger generation in order to safeguard the future of the state.
Nwogu said the epidemic had been a challenge to the medical profession, adding that the younger generation needed to guard their future.
He said: “At this stage of your life, there is this confusion which may lead you to engage in sexual relationship.
“You can decide not to acquire it by abstaining from such.”
Nwogu said that HIV and AIDS knew no age barrier, adding that doctors at the FMC sometimes attend to children with the virus.
Dr Okezie Chimezie, who spoke on drug abuse, expressed fear on the future of the younger generation, whom he said were relying on narcotics and other hard drugs.
He said: “You cannot achieve much if you rely on drugs because it breeds deviants in our society.”
Chimezie advised the students to always seek medical attention  instead of indulging in self-medication.