A member of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon. Moses Essien, has expressed deep concern over the rising cases of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in the state, following the latest statistics released by the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA).
According to the recent NACA report, Akwa Ibom currently ranks third among Nigerian states with the highest number of people living with HIV, trailing only Rivers and Benue States. The report puts the total number of HIV-positive individuals in Akwa Ibom at a staggering 161,597. This revelation has raised significant concerns among health stakeholders and policymakers, especially given the persistent challenge of stigma and discrimination that continues to hinder efforts at controlling the virus.
Hon. Essien, who represents the Ibiono Ibom State Constituency and chairs the House Committee on Health, made these remarks in Uyo on Friday during a three-day stakeholders’ sensitisation and technical meeting aimed at strengthening the fight against HIV/AIDS in the state. The lawmaker stressed the urgency of renewed efforts, particularly through legislative action and community-based interventions, to stem the tide of new infections and promote the wellbeing of people living with the virus.
He noted that the state legislature has already passed a bill designed to protect the rights of individuals living with HIV/AIDS and eliminate the widespread stigma they often face in various aspects of public life. The bill, he said, is currently awaiting the assent of Governor Umo Eno. Once signed into law, the legislation will provide legal safeguards against discrimination in public institutions, including schools, churches, marketplaces, and workplaces.
“This law, when enacted, will serve as a major milestone in our collective fight against HIV/AIDS,” Hon. Essien said. “It will not only protect the rights and dignity of persons living with the virus but will also foster an inclusive society where they can access care and support without fear of rejection or marginalisation.”
He further explained that stigma remains a critical barrier to the effective management and reduction of HIV cases in the state, as many individuals still hide their status due to fear of societal backlash. According to him, the bill, coupled with aggressive public sensitisation, would create an enabling environment that encourages voluntary testing, open disclosure, and access to treatment.
The lawmaker called on all relevant stakeholders, including civil society groups, religious leaders, traditional institutions, and the media, to intensify awareness campaigns and support initiatives that promote acceptance, education, and compassion for those affected by HIV/AIDS.
With Akwa Ibom continuing to battle high prevalence rates despite years of intervention, the government and its partners are now placing greater emphasis on rights-based approaches, legislative reform, and community-driven strategies to address the epidemic. The coming weeks are expected to be pivotal, especially as attention turns to the governor’s decision on the anti-discrimination bill, which many believe could be a game changer in the state’s HIV response.
