Warri – As the cases of HIV/Aids continue to rise particularly among youths in Delta State,Dr. Steve Okeoghene has warned against Stigmatisation of victims.
The Warri based medical practitioner gave the warning warri, Delta State.
According to him ,one of the ways to save the victims of HIV/Aids victims from depression and suicidal thoughts is to show them love and care rather than stigmatize them.
The medical practitioner while warning against self medication, and the use of herbal remedies for the treatment of HIV/Aids, charged Deltans to always report to the nearest government health facility as the treatment is free.
He reiterated that, the time when people saw HIV/Aids as a ‘death sentence’ had past, adding that victims can live a normal life,
The medical practitioner however, advised HIV/Aids victims to ensure that, they eat balance diets, exercise regularly and take their ani-retroviral drugs religiously.
A total of 1.9 million Nigerians were currently living with the virus as at 2018 when the Nigeria HIV/AIDS Indicator and Impact Survey (NAIIS) was conducted, the survey also estimated the national prevalence rate to be 1.4%.
Survey shows that Delta State is among the high burden states of HIV across the country,
Delta State government last year, called for well thought out strategies to mitigate the prevalence rate of 1.9% of HIV in the state and called on stakeholders to evolve innovative HIV protection methods which he explained, would be vital in the overall HIV response.
