Why the Niger Delta region is important in the fight against the spread of
HIV/AIDS worldwide
This oil rich region is experiencing a rapid growth of HIV/AIDS and this issue deserves an urgent
and special attention because it has far-reaching implications that will affect not only Nigeria, but
the rest of the World. Years of poverty and official neglect has contributed to this growth of
HIV/AIDS. Due to the vast presence of crude oil, there are a high percentage of foreign
nationals of various countries working for oil companies that have operations in Nigeria. In
addition, Nigerians from different parts of the country are drawn to the Niger Delta region by the
Oil Economy.
HIV/AIDS is a condition that knows neither national nor international boundaries; it respects
neither social nor cultural barriers. There is clearly a need for the international community and
educated Nigerian nationals to respond.
How HIV is transmitted in Nigeria
80% of HIV infections in Nigeria are transmitted by heterosexual sex. Factors contributing to this
include a lack of information about sexual health and HIV, low levels of condom use and high
levels of STIs such as Chlamydia and gonorrhoea, which make it easier for the virus to be
transmitted. Blood transfusions are responsible for 10% of all HIV infections. There is a high
demand for blood because of road traffic accidents, blood loss from surgery and childbirth, and
anaemia from malaria. As there is no coordinated national blood supply system, blood isn't
routinely tested for HIV, and a study last year found that 4% of blood donors in Lagos were HIV
positive. The remaining 10% of HIV infections are acquired through other routes such as
mother-to-child transmission, homosexual sex and injecting drug use. The rate of mother to
child transmission in Nigeria has gone up in recent years as the number of HIV positive women
has increased.
At 5.6%, HIV/AIDS prevalence rates are highest for young people between the ages of 20 and
24 compared with other age groups. Nigeria's STD/HIV Control estimates that over 60% of new
HIV infections are in the 15-25 year old age group.
The rapid spread of the epidemic has been fuelled by high mobility, the trafficking of young
girls, the marginalisation of women, poverty, social and economic inequality, and certain
socio-cultural practices. There is still considerable stigma and discrimination against people
living with HIV/AIDS. They are frequently excluded from families and communities, and many
have to travel long distances to access the few non-stigmatising, quality services that exist.
In 2004 it was estimated there were 300,000 deaths from AIDS and 2 million AIDS orphans in
Nigeria. There has been an alarming increase in the number of HIV positive children in recent
years, 90% of who contract the virus from their mothers.
Currently very few Nigerians have access to basic HIV/AIDS prevention, care, and support or
treatment services. Around 520, 000 people are estimated to require ART (antiretroviral
therapy) and only 17, 000 are currently receiving treatment. At present there are only 50
treatment sites for HIV/AIDS in Nigeria.
HIV/AIDS worldwide
This oil rich region is experiencing a rapid growth of HIV/AIDS and this issue deserves an urgent
and special attention because it has far-reaching implications that will affect not only Nigeria, but
the rest of the World. Years of poverty and official neglect has contributed to this growth of
HIV/AIDS. Due to the vast presence of crude oil, there are a high percentage of foreign
nationals of various countries working for oil companies that have operations in Nigeria. In
addition, Nigerians from different parts of the country are drawn to the Niger Delta region by the
Oil Economy.
HIV/AIDS is a condition that knows neither national nor international boundaries; it respects
neither social nor cultural barriers. There is clearly a need for the international community and
educated Nigerian nationals to respond.
How HIV is transmitted in Nigeria
80% of HIV infections in Nigeria are transmitted by heterosexual sex. Factors contributing to this
include a lack of information about sexual health and HIV, low levels of condom use and high
levels of STIs such as Chlamydia and gonorrhoea, which make it easier for the virus to be
transmitted. Blood transfusions are responsible for 10% of all HIV infections. There is a high
demand for blood because of road traffic accidents, blood loss from surgery and childbirth, and
anaemia from malaria. As there is no coordinated national blood supply system, blood isn't
routinely tested for HIV, and a study last year found that 4% of blood donors in Lagos were HIV
positive. The remaining 10% of HIV infections are acquired through other routes such as
mother-to-child transmission, homosexual sex and injecting drug use. The rate of mother to
child transmission in Nigeria has gone up in recent years as the number of HIV positive women
has increased.
At 5.6%, HIV/AIDS prevalence rates are highest for young people between the ages of 20 and
24 compared with other age groups. Nigeria's STD/HIV Control estimates that over 60% of new
HIV infections are in the 15-25 year old age group.
The rapid spread of the epidemic has been fuelled by high mobility, the trafficking of young
girls, the marginalisation of women, poverty, social and economic inequality, and certain
socio-cultural practices. There is still considerable stigma and discrimination against people
living with HIV/AIDS. They are frequently excluded from families and communities, and many
have to travel long distances to access the few non-stigmatising, quality services that exist.
In 2004 it was estimated there were 300,000 deaths from AIDS and 2 million AIDS orphans in
Nigeria. There has been an alarming increase in the number of HIV positive children in recent
years, 90% of who contract the virus from their mothers.
Currently very few Nigerians have access to basic HIV/AIDS prevention, care, and support or
treatment services. Around 520, 000 people are estimated to require ART (antiretroviral
therapy) and only 17, 000 are currently receiving treatment. At present there are only 50
treatment sites for HIV/AIDS in Nigeria.
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