Why are Nigerians easily affect by HIV Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Why are Nigerians easily affect by HIV - Essay Example In 2005, the number escalated to 2,20,000 deaths. In Nigeria prevalence levels of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDs) caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), are highest among young people, especially women between the ages of 20 and 29 years. However, there are differences on a regional as well as state level basis, attributed to the marked social and ethnocultural differences at these levels. According to Deji et al (2007: 10), the prevalence â€Å"ranged from a low of 2.3% in the south west to a high of 7% in the north central regions†. At State level, the variations are wider; as in Osun and Ogun the prevalence of the disease among pregnant women was 1.2% and 1.5% respectively, as compared to 9.3% in Benue and 12% in Cross River. Projections show that by 2009, some five million Nigerians would have developed AIDs, since the disease takes up to ten years to develop fully into AIDs after the onset of infection. Surveys indicate that both urban and rural areas are affected (Sofo et al, 2003: 14). Nigeria’s government predicts that from 2007 to 2011, the adult prevalence of HIV/ AIDs will reach as high as 26% and up to 15 million people will be infected. By 2011, around 10 million Nigerians would have died from AIDs, and Nigeria would overtake South Africa as the African continent’s most AIDs-affected nation (Rotberb, 2007: 25). Before 2011, it would not be possible to stop the escalation of the disease, but an improved availability of treatment with antiretroviral drugs and better healh infrastructure, would help to increase the life span of sufferers. However, slowing the spread of HIV/ AIDs is considered to be crucial in controlling the disease. Professor Rasheed A. Bakare, an accomplished microbiologist and venereologist has stated in an interview (Annals, 2005: 48) that in Ibadan which is the capital city of Oyo State in Nigeria, Africa, the most common agents responsible for sexually