HIV Prevention in Kaduna: UNICEF Distributes 47,385 Condoms to Young Persons in 4 Month 

By Alex Uangbaoje, Kaduna

United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF), said she has distributed 47,385 male and female condoms to young people between the age of 10-24 years in Kaduna State, from the month of August and early December 2017.

Dr. Idris Baba, Officer in Charge of UNICEF Kaduna Field Office, disclosed this on Wednesday during a one-day Media Executives, Producers and Reporter meeting in Zaria, organized by National Orientation Agency (NOA). 

He said this became necessary because of the increase in HIV prevalence rate among Adolescents and Young Persons (AYPs).

“HIV in adolescents remains a big concern, at least seven local government areas – Chikun, Igabi, Lere, Kagarko, Birnin Gwari, Jaba and Jema’a – have higher prevalence of HIV among adolescents in the State.

“AYPs are vulnerable to HIV Infection due to varying circumstances. Globally: 24% decrease in AIDS related mortality in adults, 50% increase in AYP between 2004-2011.

“Early sexual debut : 15 – 24 years, 16% females vs 6% males had sexual debut before 15 years.

“Prevalence of multiple sexual partnerships is 14% – 66% among in-school youth.

“Condom use at sexual debut was low, consistent condom use 9% – 15% among youth (15-24 years)

“More youth (20 – 24 years) (52%) know where to get tested than 15 – 19 years (40%). 7% of AYP have tested and received result (17.1% in general population).

“AYPs are in to marriages and pregnancies 23% of girls (15-19 yrs) have experienced pregnancy

12.4% of girls (15-19 yrs) were married by the age of 15

Half of the 3.1 million Nigerians living with HIV are AYP aged 15 – 24 years.

“HIV prevalence ranges from 1.3% in the SW to 5.4% in NC among AYP aged 15 – 19 yrs. Among the 20 – 24 years, HIV prevalence ranges from 2.1% in SW to 8% in SS.

“Female AYP bear a higher burden of HIV: 20-24 year olds, 4.5% of female vs. 1.9% of males are HIV+. Dr. Baba, explained. 

He said the objective of the programme is to increase the number of adolescents and young persons (10-24) years who know their  HIV status from 20% to 40% in 7 LGA’s by May 2018.

Also to increase the proportion of sexually active adolescents (15-19) years using condoms from 30% to 50% in 7 LGA’s by May 2018

To increase the percentage of HIV positive adolescents  (10-24) years initiated on ART from 1% to 21%  in the 7 LGA’s by May 2018

To increase the number of primary/secondary schools providing FLHE from 25% to 45% in 7 LGAs by May 2018.

Earlier, Deputy Director, NOA Kaduna, Mallam Lawal Haruna, the purpose of the meeting is to update the knowledge of the media executives, Reporters and Producers on AYP/ HIV and AIDS situation in Kaduna State.

“To review progress of the Media Organizations in the State in supporting the dissemination of AYP/ HIV and AIDS messages.

“To leverage airtime and space for dissemination of AYP/HIV/AIDS messages.” He added.