Although Nigeria’s HIV/AIDS prevalence rate (i.e. the percentage of people living with the disease) is still relatively low compared to some countries in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), Nigeria stands at a critical point in its epidemic where efforts in prevention and treatment today could help stem a much more significant epidemic in the future.
The first case of HIV/AIDS was reported in 1986
Nigeria has the second highest number of people living with HIV/AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa and the highest number in West Africa (3.6million as of the end of 2003). Because of our large population, Nigeria represents a significant share (14%) of people living with HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan African region.
The HIV/AIDS prevalence in Nigeria is 5.4%, compared to 7.5% in Sub-Saharan African and 1.1% globally.
In 2003, an estimated 310,000 Nigerians died of HIV/AIDS
HIV is spread mainly through heterosexual sex in Nigeria
DEMOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION
Women account for more than half (58%) of adults estimated to be living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria
HIV prevalence is high among young people in Nigeria, especially young women. For young people between the ages of 15-24, the estimated number of young women living with HIVAIDS was almost twice that of young men.
In 2003, 290,000 children in Nigeria were estimated to be living with HIV/AIDS
Nigeria has the highest number of AIDS orphans in sub-Saharan Africa (an estimated 1.8million in 2003)
There is significant variation in HIV prevalence rates across the country with the hardest hit states being Benue & Cross River
OTHER KEY DATA
Access to Antiretroviral therapy (ART): Although the Federal Ministry of Health initiated an ART programme in 2002, access to ART is limited
Estimated number of people receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) as at June 2005 was 28,000-48,000 (i.e. about 4-8%) of those in need
Estimated number of people in need of ART as at June 2005 was 598,000.
With these data which should be higher today, Emzor’s introduction of its range of Antiretroviral (ARV) drugs today is very timely.
In our portfolio of ARVs are;
TRIVIRASE® CAPLETS: A triple combination of Lamivudine, Nevirapine & Stavudine
