There are presently about 47,000 registered persons living with HIV/AIDS in the Federal Capital Territory.

Dr. Uche Okoro, project manager of FCT Agency for the Control of AIDS (FACA) said the victims registered at 17 comprehensive service centres in the Federal Capital Territory.

The project manager revealed this yesterday during the celebrations of the World Aids Day in Abuja.

According to him, FCT occupies the third position in HIV prevalence cases in Nigeria with 9.9% which is above the national average of 4%.

He said there are 36 'Heart to Heart' centres that offer free HIV/AIDS tests in the territory, adding that anyone found to be infected is documented and enrolled into FACA's programme.

Earlier, FCT Secretary for Health and Human Services, Dr. (Mrs.) Precious K. Gbeneol, said the World AIDS Day is important in reminding people that HIV has not gone away as well as for stakeholders to ensure that the target set in the fight against AIDS is realised.

She also called on the stakeholders to ensure that the promise is kept on universal access to HIV treatment, care, support and prevention services.

"This year's theme is 'Universal access and Human Rights' and the present administration is determined to reverse the HIV/AIDS trend in the FCT," she vowed.

Among the activities outlined for the World AIDS Day celebration are candlelight processions, a motorized rally which will kick- off at FCDA, Area 11 as well as a picnic slated for Area 10 Cultural Centre.