According to data from a recent situational analysis conducted under the Gender Equality Fund (GEF) project, Benue State is a hotspot for HIV and Tuberculosis (TB) in Nigeria. The report, presented by Lawyers Alert and Media Health Organisation (MHR) at a press conference, revealed that Benue State accounts for 10 percent of Nigeria’s TB burden while grappling with one of the country’s highest HIV prevalence rates. The findings highlight the urgent need to address gender disparities in the state’s efforts to combat HIV, TB, and malaria.
The data shows that Benue State has an HIV prevalence rate of 4.9%, with more than 25% of TB cases co-infected with HIV. This intersection between TB and HIV is particularly troubling, as both infections exacerbate each other, leading to more severe health outcomes. It is commonly known that HIV and TB are linked and that people with HIV are more likely to have TB because their immune systems are compromised. Gender inequality that prevents women from accessing timely and high-quality healthcare, pervasive poverty, and poor access to healthcare all contribute to this predicament in Benue State.
Alarming tuberculosis burden prevalent across the state.
With thousands of people’s health and well-being at risk due to the combined burden of HIV and TB, Benue State continues to be at the epicenter of this disaster. According to reports, the state had over 7,000 TB cases in 2023, placing it first in the North Central area for TB burden and sixth nationwide. Previously seen primarily in urban areas, the disease has spread to all 23 of the state’s Local Government Areas (LGAs), demonstrating its pervasiveness in rural communities.
Between April and June 2024 alone, the state treated at least 1,939 TB patients, demonstrating the gravity of the problem. In response to this high burden, Benue State’s efforts to diagnose and treat Tuberculosis have been commendable. Since its inception in 2001, the state’s TB and Leprosy Control Program has offered Directly Observed Treatment Short-course (DOTS) services at a number of health facilities. The government has also employed active TB case-finding tactics in both public and private settings, especially for high-risk groups including nomads, prisoners of correctional facilities, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and people living with HIV.
Formidable obstacles hampered progress recorded.
Although case detection has increased as a result of these efforts, significant gaps persist. Most importantly, the state faces several formidable obstacles in the fight against HIV and tuberculosis. Progress has been hampered by a lack of finance, inadequate monitoring, poor child case detection, the recurrence of HIV, limited stakeholder involvement, and a lack of cooperation among stakeholders. The GEF report emphasized that without addressing gender inequality, the fight against TB, HIV, and Malaria is far from over.
Many women don’t have the authority to make decisions in their households, which makes it difficult for them to get therapy or take their kids to the doctor. The report further urged the state government to implement gender-responsive policies, strengthen women-led groups and community health champions, and incorporate reproductive health services into TB, HIV, and malaria interventions. The report advocated for more coordination between health institutions, more government Investment in health infrastructure, and closer ties with community-based and Civil Society organizations.
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In the battle against the twin epidemics in the state, the role of community-based interventions cannot be overstated. The findings of the GEF research demonstrate how urgently Benue State needs a thorough, gender-sensitive approach to healthcare. Adopting the recommended strategies could enhance health outcomes, advance gender equality, and drastically lower the prevalence of HIV, TB, and malaria. It is imperative for the state government, medical professionals, and community organizations to work together efficiently to execute these proposals to guarantee a healthier future for all Benue State residents.