Gombe State has recorded progress in reducing mother-to-child transmission of HIV, according to the state’s Commissioner for Health, Dr. Habu Dahiru.
According to Dahiru, Gombe no longer delivers babies infected with HIV.
Speaking at a World AIDS Day press conference on Monday, the commissioner attributed the milestone to strategic partnerships with key stakeholders and intensified efforts toward achieving an AIDS-free status in the state.
He said between January and September, health facilities tested 21,072 individuals for HIV, with only 134 people testing positive, all of whom have been placed on treatment.
The commissioner said 96% of those tested have been enrolled in treatment programmes, with 19,743 individuals achieving viral suppression.
“Mother-to-child transmission has been reduced significantly, and I can boldly say that we are no longer delivering babies that are infected with HIV in the state,” stated Dahiru.
“Regarding the number, those found to be positive are 134 and they have been placed on treatment.
“Those on treatment and have attained viral suppression are 19,743.
“So, we are able to get 96 per cent of the total population tested and able to put 96 per cent of those on medication to suppress the infection.
“Those on treatment, totalling 96 per cent, have been virally suppressed and efforts are sustained to ensure that the feat is maintained,” he explained.
The Project Manager of the Gombe State Agency for the Control of AIDS, Mr. Hassan Dawaki, commended the state government’s commitment to the cause.
Dahiru and Dawaki urged continued community involvement and encouraged individuals who have not yet been tested to do so.
Gombe Stops Mother-To-Child HIV Transmission is first published on The Whistler Newspaper