Mustapha Suleiman
17 November 2008
The authorities of Wuse General Hospital Thursday revealed that out of 680 people screened by the hospital for the deadly HIV virus in the month of October, 168 tested positive.
Giving the breakdown of the figures, Dr. Uwani Muhammad Magaji, who coordinates the HIV section of the hospital, disclosed that 349 females were tested, with 108 of them having positive results.
She said out of 331 males tested, 55 of them were positive during the month under review.
Dr. Uwani attributed the high rate recorded in women, to the compulsory HIV- Screening being carried out on ante-natal females that visit the hospital.
She urged people to come for free HIV- Screening at the hospital, adding that it remains the safest way to knowing one's status.
The doctor further advised that the earlier the virus is discovered, the better for the patient, as the right drugs at the early stage of the viral attack will reduce its effect to the barest minimum and prolong the lives of the patients.
"HIV cuts across different strata and it can only be known through blood test, which we run free at the hospital for the benefit of all," she added.
She advised people to stick to their partners and remain faithfully, while the unmarried should abstain from sex or protect themselves if they can't.
Dr Uwani lamented the high rate of HIV infection to late testing by people, whom she said unknowingly pass it to their loved ones.
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