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2003 National HIV/AIDS & Reproductive Health Survey (NARHS) Launched

A major landmark in the nation's response to HIV/AIDS was recorded in
Nigeria as it launched a comprehensive baseline survey that depicts
reproductive health and HIV indices in the country.

Tagged "2003 National HIV/AIDS & Reproductive Health Survey" (NARHS), the
survey was conducted by the Federal Ministry of Health in collaboration
with the Society for Family Health (SFH), a non governmental organisation
dedicated to the alleviation of suffering and poverty in Nigeria by
improving reproductive, maternal and child health) and other
development partners.

The launch which was done in Abuja late December last year, brought
together all stakeholders in reproductive health and HIV/AIDS in the
country including all 36 States RH Coordinators, States AIDS Program
Coordinators (SAPC), States Directors of Primary Health Centres & Disease
Control (PHC & DC), State Commissioners for Health, Development/Donor
Agencies, Civil Society Organisation, Faith-Based Organisations,
People Living with HIV/AIDS and the Media.

The survey work organised and analysed by the Federal Ministry of Health
Consultants, Research Department of SFH and other Technical Committee
members sampled Nigerian population in all the 36 states and FCT using
the probability sampling technique. A total of 10,090 persons were
interviewed of which males & females were between the age bracket of
15-64 and 15-49 years old respectively.

The methodology was reviewed by both national and international experts
while questionnaires were based on UNAIDS General Population HIV/AIDS
Indicators, DHS and other RH questionnaires.

Amongst the key findings of the report were:

- In the report, women justify wife beating more than men (34% of women
as against 19% of men)

- Given that an estimated 1, 000 Nigerians die everyday as a result of
AIDS, 95% of Nigerians still believe they stand little chance or no risk
of contracting HIV

- HIV/AIDS awareness is generally high, so also are the misconceptions
about modes of transmission and prevention

- More than half of those surveyed said they would not reject a family
member who contracts AIDS

- Though one-fifth of men have non marital partners, women record
earlier sexual debut (16.9yrs) especially in the North than men (19.8yrs)

- Though condoms are perceived to be cheap and accessible, only one-fifth
of sexually active persons have ever used them

- Testing for HIV status is higher among respondents from the South East
than other regions. It is lowest in the North

- Knowledge about STIs is widespread, in the last 12 months however,
4% of men and 8% of women experienced symptoms of STI

As a fallout of the findings of this survey, it is expected that
policy makers, development agencies and program managers will use it in
the design, implementation and monitoring of programmes that will impact
positively on the lives of Nigerians.

Copies of this report are availably at SFH Home Office on the address
below:

Society for Family Health
Plot 2380, Nanka Close
Off Sultan Abubakar Way (By Heritage House)
Zone 3, Wuse P.M.B. 5116, Abuja, Nigeria
Tel: 234-9-5240831-6
Fax: 234-9-5240830
Email: [email protected] [4]