The Akwa Ibom State government has launched the Nigeria State-level Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) Impact Survey across all the local government areas in the state.
The exercise, which will run from August to September, aims to assess the effectiveness of HIV programs in the state.
According to the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Augustine Umoh, the survey is supported by the Federal Government and international partners such as PEPFAR and PHIS3.
Speaking at a press conference in Uyo, the state capital, Umoh emphasized the importance of the survey in improving the wellbeing of the people.
The survey targets 3000 households, with approximately 5,346 persons between the ages of 15-64 to be interviewed and tested. The tests will determine the proportion of individuals living with HIV who are receiving lifesaving ART, as well as the percentage of those already on HIV treatment whose viral load has been suppressed.
The data collected from the survey will inform health policies and strategies to enhance HIV testing, treatment, and care services in the state.
According to Umoh, the survey will help identify systemic challenges and opportunities for strengthening health systems to better support individuals living with HIV.
“The survey will help us understand bio behavioural patterns and factors associated with HIV virus suppression in people living with HIV who are on ART to strengthen support services,” he said.
The ultimate goal of the exercise is to control and end the HIV epidemic in Akwa Ibom State. Umoh emphasized the importance of the survey in achieving this goal, stating that it will provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of current HIV programs.
The survey is a critical step towards improving the lives of individuals living with HIV in Akwa Ibom State. By assessing the effectiveness of HIV programs, the state government can make informed decisions to enhance testing, treatment, and care services.
Overall, the Nigeria State-level Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) Impact Survey is a crucial initiative in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Akwa Ibom State. With the support of international partners, the state government is taking a significant step towards controlling and ending the HIV epidemic.
The Commissioner appealed to residents to support the success of the Nigeria State-level Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) Impact Survey by providing the visiting teams with necessary information and access to conduct HIV tests, thereby facilitating a comprehensive assessment of the state’s HIV programs and ultimately contributing to the control and end of the HIV epidemic in the state.
