Advancement in science has enabled several medical institutions to make great strides in viral suppression and general control of the epidemic situation. But the existence of one of the deadliest diseases on earth should always be acknowledged.
According to WHO, in 2017, 1.8 million people were newly infected with HIV. While the world has committed to ending AIDS by 2030, rates of new infections and deaths are not falling rapidly enough to meet that target.

Nowadays, it seems like everyone swept the fear of one of the most dangerous epidemics under the carpet.
One in four people living with HIV doesn’t know that they have HIV.

To aid your information on the HIV/AIDS situation, these are some facts according to avert.org.

• Do you know that Nigeria has the second-largest HIV epidemic in the world and one of the highest rates of new infection in sub-Saharan Africa?

• Many people who are living with HIV in Nigeria are unaware of their status. Nigeria continues to fall short of providing the recommended number of HIV testing and counseling sites.

• Also, there are low levels of access to antiretroviral treatment and it is still a problem for people living with HIV, meaning that there are still many AIDS-related deaths in Nigeria.

• The existence of punitive laws against homosexuality means that men who have sex with men face difficulties accessing HIV services.

• Nigeria also has the fourth-largest tuberculosis epidemic in the world, with HIV and TB co-infection now becoming an increasing concern for people living with HIV.

On the other hand, progress is being made currently to reduce the deadly effect of this disease.

Regarding reports by naca.gov.ng, the data from the Nigeria National HIV/AIDS Indicator and Impact Survey (NAIIS) are based on a revised and enhanced methodology. The report provides a clearer understanding of Nigeria’s HIV epidemic and shines a light on progress and the remaining gaps and challenges.
Results released by the Government of Nigeria, to that effect, indicate a national HIV prevalence in Nigeria of 1.4% among adults aged 15–49 years. Previous estimates had indicated a national HIV prevalence of 2.8%. UNAIDS and the National Agency for the Control of AIDS estimate that 1.9 million people are living with HIV in Nigeria. This shows a positive development in containing the spread of the disease.

In conclusion, AIDS is real and prevention is better than cure. Trite as it sounds, a word is enough for the ‘AIDed’ one.