INCIDENCE AND PREVALENCE OF HIV/AIDS IN ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA

Obi Sixtus Chibuzor, John Obioma Ukawuilulu, PhD and Ambrose W. Ogidi PhD
Volume 10 Issue 1

Abstract

Anambra is rated fifth in Nigeria's HIV prevalence and first in the South East Zone with a 2.4 prevalence rate, which is above the 1.4 National prevalence. Anambra state is the fifth highest in Nigeria in terms of HIV transmission among people between 15 to 49 years. The pattern of transmission of the disease has made prevention a bit difficult in the state. The objective of this paper is to examine the incidence and prevalence of HIV/AIDS in Anambra state and its drivers. The study employed the Action Frame of Reference theory to explain the nature and drivers of HIV/AIDS in Anambra State. Literature and past studies on HIV incidence and prevalence in Anambra were reviewed and analyzed using content analysis and in-depth summary. The findings revealed that the high incidence of HIV/AIDS in Anambra was due to low level of knowledge about the disease, wrong cultural belief and the wrong perception of HIV/AIDS as a disease that afflicts only immoral people. Only a few saw the disease as a disease that could afflict anybody. In addition, many of them believe that AIDS is real but show a low level of knowledge about the mode of transmission. Furthermore, educational level, sex, occupation, and income was identified as factors that influence the perception and reactions to HIV treatment and prevention. High prevalence and incidence were because of people’s low level of knowledge about HIV and cultural belief systems, which see it as a strange illness that is a punishment from God for disobedience. It was also an indication that government HIV/AIDS awareness programs were not effective. The study therefore recommends that strategies for effective culture-based HIV educational programs should be sought and carried out in Anambra state. In addition, every HIV intervention program in the state should be through the traditional institution and stakeholders. Cultural and community-based intervention programs have the power to change the high incidence of HIV by changing people's negative perceptions and close low levels of knowledge of HIV/AIDS gaps, thereby curtailing the HIV prevalence and incidence rate in the State. Keywords: Prevalence, Incidence, HIV, AIDS, Anambra State

Download Paper