The Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (NEPHWAN), Kaduna state chapter, has raised the alarm over the shortages of HIV tests kits in the state.
State coordinator, Mr Bala Samaila, said the shortage of test kits was a problem and could affect the vision 90-90-90 approach in tackling the spread of HIV.
“Residents go to facilities voluntarily to know their status but can’t access test kits.
“The shortage of the test kits will affect the state’s ability to identify missing people who need to know their status and be placed on treatment,” he said.
Samaila explained that vision 90-90-90 was an ambitious treatment target to help end the AIDS epidemic.
“By 2020, 90 percent of all people living with HIV will know their HIV status.
“90 percent of all people with diagnosed HIV infection will receive sustained antilretroviral therapy and 90 percent of all people receiving antiretroviral therapy will have viral suppression,” he said.
He however, appreciated the efforts of the state government in supporting the association and called on local council chairmen to also assist in the procurement of test kits to address the shortages.
“I am appealing to the local government chairmen to also contribute in buying the test kits at various local government areas so as to bring reduction in the shortage of test kits in the state.
“Without the test kits, how can we know of new infections and placing them on drugs,” he said.(NAN)