NIGERIA: Low risk perception spreads HIV - survey

Efforts to curb the spread of HIV/AIDS in Nigeria may be hampered by the overwhelming majority of people who still believe they will not be infected, a new survey has found.

A local newspaper, This Day, said the National HIV/AIDS and Reproductive Health Survey, (NARHS 2003), showed that low perception of risk cut across male, female, urban and rural dwellers.

The report stated: "Overall, only two percent rated their chances of being infected high, 23 percent rated their chances low, and 72 percent believed that they were at no risk at all."

During its recent presentation in the capital Abuja, Health Minister Eyitayo Lambo confirmed that with funding from a number of international donors, the biennial survey would continue over the next six years.

Theme (s): Care/Treatment - PlusNews, Children,

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