The current national HIV/AIDS prevalence rate in Nigeria is around 3.1% among adults aged 15-49, and with a population of 138 million people, that makes an estimated 2.6 million people living with HIV/AIDS. UNAIDS has estimated that Nigeria is one of the top 5 countries most affected by this devastating disease, which makes it a “ground zero” for HIV/AIDS. Imo State is one of the most affected areas in Nigeria, and the Federal Ministry of Health has estimated that the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in Oguta, the focus of CHISTRE’s work, is an overwhelming 7%, which is significantly higher than the national average of 3.1%.
There are many reasons for the higher prevalence of HIV/AIDS in Imo State as compared to the rest of the country. The population of Imo State is predominantly rural, consisting of communities like Agwa, which is where we focus the majority of our efforts with a plan to expand further into surrounding areas. Agwa is relatively isolated from the mainstream, and because of this, it has maintained much more of a traditional character. While retention of identity and tradition is highly valued, it comes with a great amount of superstition and ignorance. These are significant constraints to the overall development of the people and the community as a whole, and as a result, Agwa is remarkably less developed economically and socially when compared to other communities in Imo State. Poverty, isolation, and the crude traditional practices within the community are significant issues surrounding risky behavior as it relates to HIV/AIDS. There is a strong belief that sexual education is positively related to sexual promiscuity, so it is tradition that parents not speak about sexual matters with their children, and sexual education is not traditionally taught in schools. Traditions like this, in combination with Agwa’s relative isolation, lack of medical facilities, shortage of basic amenities, and high illiteracy rate make it very susceptible to the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
The HIV/AIDS epidemic has reached a level where intervention is a necessity to prevent even further catastrophic consequences, and CHISTRE is the most qualified organization in the area to address problems associated with the epidemic because of its vast collection of resources, its previous and current projects, its leadership, and its positive reputation. Again, you can make a huge difference in the fight against HIV/AIDS by getting involved in any way you can!
