The Director-General, National Agency for the Control of AIDS, Dr. Temitope Ilori, has revealed that Nigerian women account for 59 per cent of the national prevalence of HIV/AIDS.
Lori stated this while fielding questions with the PUNCH Newspaper. She lamented the disturbing statistics of Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome among Nigerians, especially children.
She said, in Nigeria, our national prevalence of HIV/AIDS is 1.3 per cent. Women account for 59 per cent, which is more than males.
“Young people from 15 to 49 years of age account for most of the new infections. It’s popular among the younger generation. Of course, 15 to 49 years is the reproductive age for women, especially. That’s when they start their sexual debut, relationship, and all that.
“We’ll say it is popular among women biologically because of the way the woman’s body is. In terms of sexual intercourse, their reproductive system makes them a bit vulnerable. And with this, the virus can enter their body system.
The DG also stated that, “We have socio-economic issues too.
“In many societies including Nigeria, women cannot negotiate for sex even with their partners whether married or unmarried.
“In boyfriend and girlfriend relationships, the females cannot negotiate for sex to wear condoms or other protective measures. Also, the socio-economic effect is when they don’t have the income to cater for themselves. They become dependent.
Ilori emphasized that even with commercial sex workers, women are more vulnerable.
“The early girl marriage is also a factor. We have so many biological and socio-economic factors that make the girl-child or woman very vulnerable to HIV infection.
“And that’s why there is such a high rate among women and young adults,” the DG said.
source: Punch
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