Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection in Nigeria.
Study of the increasing epidemic of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in Nigeria provides insight into the magnitude of its spread, and allows identification of particular population groups which must be the target for preventive measures and increased public awareness campaigns. We have reviewed records documenting the disease in Nigeria since the first case was reported in 1986. Prevalence surveys have allowed identification of the rate of increase in the infection in various regions of Nigeria, and among various population groups: blood donors, those attending ante-natal care clinics (ANC), those attending sexually transmitted diseases clinics (STD), commercial sex workers (CSW), and patients with tuberculosis. We also reviewed the success of campaigns to increase awareness of AIDS in Nigeria. There were over 2 million cases of HIV infection in Nigeria in 1996, based on a national prevalence of 3.8%. The highest prevalence of infection was in the Middle Belt region of the country with 9.6% positivity of those tested in 1992, and 33.6% in 1994. Among blood donors, the percentage of those infected rose from 0% in 1987, to 4.4% in 1992, in one medical center; and in 1995, in Ante Natal Care clinics (ANC) the prevalence ranged from 0.2% to 12.9% of mothers (median 5.0%). High rates of infection were recorded among CSW ( 71.3% in one region), those attending STD clinics (27.4% in one region), long-haul truck drivers and policemen. Patients with tuberculosis also had a high prevalence of infection. Public awareness and adequate surveillance data remain inadequate in view of the magnitude of the problem. Increased funding and judicious expenditures are essential to obtain and distribute accurate information in order to begin to resolve this epidemic.
Ani
MN
Department of Arts and Social Sciences, Faculty of Education, and Laboratory of Leishmaniasis and AIDS, Department of Zoology, University of Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria.
Agwale
SM