Prevalence of HIV in North-East Nigeria: A Case of Comprehensive HIV Service Delivery in 3 Internally Displaced Persons Camps in Borno State, Northeast, Nigeria

Abstract

The humanitarian crisis in North-East Nigeria has had its greatest impact in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states who now depend largely on humanitarian assistance for their survival. According to the 2017 UNDP estimates, 8.5 million people are caught in the middle of the humanitarian crises in Northeast Nigeria, resulting in widespread displacement, insecurity, destroyed infrastructure and collapsed basic services. This setting presents context of fragility, vulnerability and uncertainties, which encourages and exacerbates HIV transmission. The relationship between HIV, humanitarian emergencies and prolonged conflict is multifaceted and complex. The recent 2019 NAIIS reported HIV prevalence in Borno state to be 1.3%, however in the IDP camps, the risk of transmission appears to increase due to inadequate access to HIV and other basic health services. This study is aimed to determine the prevalence of HIV infection and uptake of comprehensive HIV services in 3 IDP camps; Ngala, Banki and Dikwa Local Government Areas of Borno state. The study adopted a case study approach with sample size of 26,712 individuals who were counseled and tested for HIV. The collected data was analyzed using STATA14. The result of study revealed the prevalence of HIV in the 3 IDP camps to be 0.98%. In Ngala Camp, Ngala LGA of Borno state, there was a high prevalence rate of 1.98%, which is higher than the Borno state’s and the National indices. The HIV testing Uptake was estimated to be 56.31% across the 3 camps. Improved awareness to HIV infection and sustained service provision will enhance good health seeking behavior and reduce incidence of HIV infection and stigmatization of affected persons in the IDP camp.