HIV prevalence: Akwa Ibom ranks highest with 5.5 percent

Again, Akwa Ibom has been ranked one of the highest HIV prevalence at 5.5%, even as it contributes 12% of the TB cases in Nigeria.

The ranking follows a comprehensive situational analysis conducted under the Gender Equality Fund (GEF) project by Lawyers Alert in collaboration with Media Health Right (MHR), which also shows malaria as a leading cause of morbidity, particularly among pregnant women and children under five in the state.

The findings which unveil pressing gender-related barriers hindering women’s access to healthcare services for Tuberculosis (TB), Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), and Malaria in Akwa Ibom State, underscore systemic inequalities, cultural norms, economic constraints, and policy gaps that continue to obstruct women’s right to equitable healthcare.

In a press statement issued at the end of a Zoom parley with media partners in Uyo at the weekend, the President, Lawyers Alert, Dr. Rommy Mom said the survey report underscores systemic inequalities, cultural norms, economic constraints, and policy gaps that continue to obstruct women’s right to equitable healthcare services and called for urgent need to address Gender disparities in TB, HIV, and Malaria Response for Women and the vulnerable in the State.

“Akwa Ibom State has consistently recorded one of the highest HIV prevalence rates in Nigeria, with co-infection of TB further complicating the situation.

“Additionally, malaria remains a leading cause of illness and death, particularly among pregnant women and children under five, despite ongoing interventions, barriers such as stigma, gender inequality, and limited healthcare infrastructure continue to hinder progress.

“This analysis identifies critical policy gaps, gender disparities in healthcare access, and the urgent need for community-driven advocacy to address these challenges. The findings emphasize the necessity of strengthening healthcare systems and enhancing community engagement to tackle stigma and discrimination”. The president explained.

Endorsed by Dr. Rommy Mom and MHR-Alu Azege, President of Lawyers Alert and MHR respectively, the statement noted challenges identified to include the fact that women particularly face significant barriers, such as; economic dependency, stigma, and caregiving responsibilities, which limit their ability to access timely healthcare services.

“Stigma associated with HIV and TB discourages women from seeking care, while cultural and religious beliefs often lead to reliance on traditional remedies over modern healthcare.

“The frequent stockouts of TB medications, inadequate diagnostic tools, and poor healthcare infrastructure, especially in rural areas, also hinder effective service delivery”. He noted.

Considering the lack of healthcare gender-sensitive frameworks, which leads to fragmented interventions and limited impact on women’s health outcomes, the organization recommends among other things that; healthcare systems should integrate TB, HIV, and Malaria services into a single, comprehensive care framework to improve resource utilization and ensure holistic care for patients with co-existing conditions.

Also, provision of economic support and empowerment programs for women to reduce financial dependency and improve access to healthcare should be prioritised, even as capacity of women-led organizations and community health champions should be strengthened to advocate for gender-sensitive healthcare and challenge harmful cultural norms.

It says the visibility and enforcement of existing health policies, particularly those addressing gender disparities and stigma reduction should be enhanced, as well as encouragement of collaborations with private sector entities to address funding gaps and improve the availability of essential medications and diagnostic tools.

As call to action: Lawyers Alert and MHR call on the Akwa Ibom State Government, healthcare providers, civil society organizations, and international partners to prioritize gender-transformative approaches in addressing the healthcare challenges identified in the survey report.

This according to them, can be achieved by addressing the root causes of reliance on traditional treatment over modern medicine, as well as the frequent stockouts of medications in relevant health facilities.

“We can ensure a more cohesive and effective system that equitably provides access to prevention, treatment, and care services.
About the Project.

“The situational analysis conducted under this project serves as a critical tool to guide this intervention and drive sustainable improvements in health outcomes for women and marginalized groups.

“The “Law, Rights, and Community Empowerment for Social Change in TB, HIV, and Malaria Response,”, supported by the GEF Fund, aims to address gender-related barriers to healthcare access in Nigeria, particularly for women and vulnerable groups affected by HIV, TB, and Malaria through movement Building that comprises of women leaders and women-led health-focused organizations.

“The project strengthens policy advocacy, community-based interventions, and stakeholder collaboration to ensure equitable access to healthcare services in Akwa Ibom and Benue States”. It explained further.

Our Correspondent reports that Lawyers Alert & MHR is a leading Nigerian non-governmental organization (NGO) dedicated to promoting human rights, gender equality, and access to justice, particularly for marginalized and vulnerable populations. Lawyers Alert focuses on addressing systemic barriers to healthcare, legal protection, and social equity.

The organization works at the intersection of law, health, and human rights, advocating for policy reforms, providing legal aid, and empowering communities to demand accountability and justice and is committed to creating a society where everyone, regardless of gender or socioeconomic status, can access their fundamental rights and live with dignity.

MHR (Media Partner) is a media and advocacy organization that collaborates with civil society groups, NGOs, and government agencies to amplify voices for social change. Specializing in strategic communication, MHR uses media platforms to raise awareness, challenge harmful norms, and promote gender equality and human rights. As a media partner in the GEF project.

MHR plays a crucial role in disseminating information, engaging communities, and driving advocacy efforts to address gender-related barriers to healthcare access. Through its innovative communication strategies, MHR ensures that the voices of women and vulnerable populations are heard, fostering a more inclusive and equitable society.

Together, Lawyers Alert and MHR bring a blend of legal expertise, advocacy, and media engagement to the GEF project, working collaboratively to drive transformative change in the fight against TB, HIV, and Malaria in Nigeria.