Low Levels Access to Anti-retroviral Treatment Hinders Effective HIV Services

By Abiodun Azi, NAN/

A Consultant Public Health Physician, Dr Adegboyega Oyefabi, says low levels of access to antiretroviral treatment is one of the challenges hindering effective HIV services in Nigeria.

Oyefabi, who is also Team Lead, Infectious Disease Control Centre, Kaduna, spoke in Lagos.

According to him, this remains an issue for people living with HIV, meaning that there are still many AIDS-related deaths in Nigeria.

He said that many people living with HIV in Nigeria were still unaware of their status.

Oyefabi said: “Nigeria continues to fall short of providing the recommended number of HIV testing and counselling sites.

“There is dilemma of deciding the appropriate laws and intervention for commercial sex workers and against homosexuality to fit into the Nigeria socio-cultural context of discouraging these practices.

“And, at the same time given opportunity for victims of such practices to access HIV testing and care services.

“Nigeria also has the fourth largest tuberculosis epidemic in the world, with HIV and TB co-infection now becoming an increasing concern for people living with HIV.’’

On methods of preventing HIV/AIDS, the expert urged the public to avoid indiscriminate blood transfusion and ensure that blood for transfusion are screened appropriately for HIV and other blood transmissible infections.

He cautioned against indiscriminate use of injections and patronising quacks for injections, urging healthcare workers to practice injection safety.

Oyefabi, also a Senior Lecturer, Kaduna State University, Kaduna, said: “If you believe that you might have been exposed to HIV, either through unprotected sex or other high-risk activities, including needle pricks, blood splash from an infected person or exposure to sexual violence (rape), seek medical help early.

“This should be within less than 72 hours of such an exposure.

“Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) medications started less than 72 hours of exposure to the risk of contracting HIV can greatly reduce the risk of HIV infection.

“Avoid harmful traditional practices, sharing of sharps, local circumcision of babies and traditional marks.

“These practices involve the use of unsterilised sharps by non-healthcare providers at the community level, which can lead to high risk of community infection with HIV and other blood transmissible infections.’’

According to him, if you are positive for HIV, still practice safe sex to avoid being exposed to other variants of the virus, which can lead to a severe form of the disease and death.

“People living with HIV should keep their viral load undetectable by taking their medications regularly, and as recommended by physicians at the HIV treatment centres.

“There should be no stigma and discrimination of people living with HIV/AIDS to encourage people to access HIV counselling and testing for early interventions.

“Early diagnosis and treatment of HIV opportunistic infections, especially Tuberculosis, is also recommended.

“The opportunistic infections lower body immunity and can worsen the treatment outcome of the HIV infection.’’

(NAN)

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