The National Agency for the Control of Aids (NACA) has disclosed that 81,481 persons are currently infected and living with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)  in Ondo State.

Director-General of the agency, Dr Sani Aliu made the confirmation during a courtesy visit to the palace of the Osemawe of Ondo, Oba Victor Kiladejo.

Aliu who was represented by the agency’s Director, Resource Mobilisation, Mrs Josephine Kalu was in the monarch’s palace to seek his support on a survey tagged “Nigeria Aids Indicator and Impact Survey” scheduled to hold in the town.

He revealed that out of the total number of persons infected with the virus, 10,000 of them are already on treatment.

“Based on spectrum estimate, we have, 81,481 persons that are living with HIV in Ondo State as at 2017 and out of the figure 10,000 persons are on treatment including 2,783 pregnant women”, he disclosed.

He assured that the planned survey would ensure proper planning towards the eradication of HIV and other related diseases.

“The focus of the survey is able to gather data that will help to fight the current level of HIV and hepatitis B and hepatitis C as we are looking at 2030 for an HIV-free generation. We cannot but have data that can be effectively used to fight these”, he said.

Meanwhile, Oba Kiladejo who commended the efforts of the agency, expressed worry at the high number of persons living with the virus, urging that more resources should be channeled towards sensitisation and counselling.