5 Boko Haram Victims Diagnosed Of HIV/AIDS

Five Boko Haram victims living in the Internally Displaced Persons’ (IDP) camp in Maiduguri, Borno State, have been diagnosed with HIV/AIDS.


The leader of a non-governmental organisation, the Business and Professional Women, Ismaila Watila, revealed the data on February 4, 2015 speaking with journalist in Maiduguri.

Watila said that 1,000 people were tested in the camp and five of them, unfortunately, were tested positive. He also added that the 1,000 IDPs were screened for malaria as well.

According to him, the aim of their program was to find out the health status of the IDPs and prevent spread of diseases among them.

“We started on Monday and so far we have screened over 1,000 out of the 8,000 IDPs in the camp. Out of these, only five have tested positive to HIV/AIDS,’’ he said.

“Statistically, the number appeared insignificant as it represents just about 0.5 per cent of those screened. But as a doctor, I see the number as alarming, because it is a dangerous trend,’’ he said.

The organisation’s leader added that the affected IDPs had already been counselled and referred for treatment.

“What we do usually is to treat those who tested positive to malaria and other diseases immediately. Those who tested positive to HIV/AIDS will be counselled and transferred to the State Specialists Hospital for proper medication.”

Watila noted that the team was also conducting educational campaigns to enlight the IDPs on how to maintain a healthy living.

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