‘To aid HIV diagnosis’ — Alia inaugurates PCR laboratory in Benue

Hyacinth Alia, governor of Benue, has inaugurated a state-of-the-art molecular polymerase chain reaction (PCR) laboratory at the Federal Medical Centre in Makurdi, the state capital.

The governor also presented the ISO 15189:2012 laboratory accreditation certificate to the management of the medical centre.

He said the renovation and equipping of the laboratory were a collaborative effort between the United States Centre for Disease Control (US CDC) and its implementing partner, the AIDS Prevention Initiative in Nigeria (APIN).

Alia appreciated the US CDC for its unwavering commitment and support to improving public health in Benue, particularly in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

He said over 180,000 people living with HIV/AIDS in the state are accessing life-saving antiretroviral therapy (ART) across 264 public, private, and faith-based health facilities in the 23 LGAs as a result of the support from the US CDC.

“The partnership between the US CDC and the Benue State Ministry of Health, along with other health agencies in our state, has been instrumental in our collective mission to end HIV as a public health threat,” he said.

“Through the generous funds and technical assistance provided by the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), we have made significant strides in strengthening our healthcare infrastructure and enhancing our capacity to combat this epidemic.

“With the PEPFAR support, over 180,000 people living with HIV are accessing life-saving antiretroviral therapy (ART) across 264 health facilities (public, private, and faith-based) in the 23 local government areas in the state, remarkably closing the HIV unmet treatment needs and placing Benue State on the path to HIV epidemic control.

“The prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) program for pregnant-positive women in the state has made it possible for the birth of about 8,000 HIV-negative babies annually by women living with HIV, providing a window of hope for an HIV-free generation.”

Alia expressed optimism that the commissioning of the PCR laboratory will play a crucial role in the efforts of the state government to diagnose, treat, and prevent HIV/AIDS in Benue.