Taraba Begins Mass Testing As 77 Confirmed HIV Positive

Taraba State government has embarked on mass testing for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, HIV, in the state.

This was disclosed by the Taraba AIDS Control Agency (TACA) during a weekly review meeting held in Jalingo, the state capital.

The agency revealed that the state has 36,396 people who are currently victims of HIV and are also receiving treatment.

According to TACA, the positive results of the 77 people were obtained from the 2,156 people tested across the 16 LGAs of the state last week.

The Director-General of the agency, Dr. Garba Danjuma while speaking at the meeting noted that the viruses are the key setback to the elimination of HIV worldwide.

He revealed that 20,200 of the victims that are currently receiving treatment are virally suppressed, while the results of 77 out of the 2,150 people tested last week turned positive.

Dr. Danjuma, however, assured residents that the agency in synergy with development partners would continue to create awareness for the public to reduce new infections across the state.

TACA Media Advocacy Team reports that the agency targets 2030 to ensure zero new infections of HIV in the state.

FRCNAbuja/Adetutu Adetule