16, 588 people living with HIV on treatment – Agency

Bauchi State Agency for the Control of HIV/AIDS,  Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Malaria (BACATMA) has disclosed that it had placed 16, 588 people living with HIV on treatment in 2018. This was an increase on the 13, 503 people enrolled and placed on treatment by the agency in 2017. Executive Chairman, BACATMA, Dr Muhammad Sambo Alkali […]

Bauchi State Agency for the Control of HIV/AIDS,  Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Malaria (BACATMA) has disclosed that it had placed 16, 588 people living with HIV on treatment in 2018.

This was an increase on the 13, 503 people enrolled and placed on treatment by the agency in 2017.

Executive Chairman, BACATMA, Dr Muhammad Sambo Alkali stated this weekend as part of the 2018 World AIDS Day celebration in the state.

He said that, the state has succeeded in attaining 98 percent retention rate and 71 percent viral suppression rate.

Dr Alkali informed that, the agency procured and distributed 120,000 units of HIV Rapid Test Kits to 323 health facilities to prevent mother to child transmission.

He however disclosed that, 72 infants have been infected with HIV in 2018.

“With better access to treatment, care and support, we have helped to increase the spirit of hope, with thousands and thousands of people returning to normal, productive and fulfilling lives,” he said.

The BACATMA Executive Secretary further informed that since its establishment in 2008, the agency had organize and supported 156 marriages between People Living with HIV adding that 70 babies who tested negative to HIV were born from the marriages.

The theme of the 2018 World AIDS Day was ” Know Your Status” calls on communities, civil society organizations, partners and media to put more effort in order to attain 90, 90, 90 by the year 2020″.