By Daniel Ayantoye
The Kwara State AIDS Control Agency (KWASACA) has said it does not have record of the present prevalence rate of HIV/AIDS in the state.
This was made known by the Project Manager of KWASACA, Dr. Alabi Seleem, during an interview with Pilot Health recently.
According to him, the last survey was carried out in 2014, adding that there are indications that the prevalence rate has increased.
He expressed fear that the prevalence rate may have increased since the last state wide study embarked upon by the agency in 2014.
The project manager then stressed need for the agency to embark on a state wide survey in order to determine the current prevalence rate of HIV/AIDS in the state.
“It is important for us to carry out state wide study rather than a sentinel study to determine the current prevalence rate in the state.
“The rate as at 2012 was 1.8 per cent, and as at the last study, which was in 2014, it increased to 2.3. But currently, we don’t know the rate because we have not been able to carry out any recent relevance study, however, we will not be surprise that prevalence rate may have increased. “he added.
He said that the agency amongst other things at the moment is concentrating on strengthening data collation process and technical operations, adding that this will enable the agency to determine the current situation and the challenges.
Seleem, who also said the state wide study is capital intensive, stressed that paucity of fund is currently hindering the possibility of the process.
According to him, the state of economy and donor pull-out has limited most of the activities of the agency, adding that it has gotten to a stage where full ownership and self-sustainability should be the drive, especially at this time of new “test and treat” National drive.
While commending the state Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed for the commitment to the health sector, he requested for more support for the agency.
