Akwa Ibom State Begins HIV Impact Survey

The Akwa Ibom State government has started a big survey to check how well HIV treatments are working in the state. This survey will take place in all 31 local areas of the state.

At a press conference in Uyo, the state capital, the Health Commissioner, Prof. Augustine Umoh, said the survey would run from August to the end of September. The Federal Government and international partners like the United States President Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) are supporting this effort.

Prof. Umoh explained that the main goal of this survey is to see how well the HIV programs are helping people. They aim to make things better for those living in Akwa Ibom.

During the survey, they will visit 3000 homes and talk to, and test about 5,346 people aged 15-64.

The tests will help to know how many people with HIV are getting the important medicine they need. They will also check who has been on treatment long enough that their virus is under control and can’t spread to others.

The Health Commissioner said the information they gather will help create better health plans and strategies. This means better HIV testing, treatment, and care for the people.

He added that the survey will find out the problems and good parts of the health system. This will help them improve support for people living with HIV. The ultimate aim is to stop the spread of HIV in Akwa Ibom State.

Prof. Umoh also mentioned, “The survey will help us understand the behavior and other factors that help people on ART keep their virus under control, so we can provide better support.”

He asked the people of Akwa Ibom to cooperate with the teams visiting their homes. He encouraged them to provide any information and allow the teams to conduct HIV tests.