- Plateau records rising HIV cases and related deaths in 2024
- 51,370 people living with HIV across Plateau State
- Over 47,000 residents currently on HIV treatment
- Government expands HIV testing and mother-to-child prevention
The Plateau State Government has raised fresh concern over the rising number of people living with HIV in the state, revealing that more than 51,000 residents are currently battling HIV, with new infections and deaths recorded despite ongoing intervention efforts.
Commissioner for Health, Nicholas Ba’amlong, says the state is intensifying its fight against HIV after recording 2,786 new HIV cases and 460 related deaths in 2024.
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Speaking in Jos during the 2025 World AIDS Day event themed “Overcoming Disruption: Sustaining Nigeria’s HIV Response,” Mr Ba’amlong disclosed that the state now has 51,370 people living with HIV, made up of 33,055 females and 14,001 males.
He revealed that 47,056 adults and 1,835 children are currently receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART), describing the progress as encouraging, but also a reminder that the fight against the disease is far from over.
According to him, more than 98,000 people were screened between January and September 2025, and 1,910 tested positive.
Mr Ba’amlong highlighted improvements in the ongoing effort to stop mother-to-child transmission of HIV. A total of 30,743 pregnant women were screened, and all 39 who tested positive were immediately linked to treatment and care.
“This is not the time for complacency. We must prioritise early testing, community awareness and access to treatment in all parts of Plateau State,” he said.
He explained that the state has now expanded testing and awareness programmes to over 900 health facilities, insisting that collaboration among communities, health partners and government remains key to reducing infections.
The commissioner praised Governor Caleb Mutfwang for approving the purchase of HIV dual test kits now distributed to health facilities across the state. He also thanked health development partners for providing technical and financial support.
The Executive Director of the Plateau AIDS Control Agency (PLACA), Esther Turaki, revealed that Plateau has achieved a 92% viral load suppression rate as of June 2025, describing it as a major victory in preventing the spread of HIV.
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She said the HIV Domestic Resource Mobilisation and Sustainability Strategy is helping the state reduce its dependence on donor funding by exploring local financing and sustainable intervention plans.
Also speaking at the event, keynote presenter Chris Isichei urged both government and stakeholders to invest more in home-grown solutions.
“We must reduce reliance on donor support by building a permanent domestic HIV funding structure,” he said.
Mr Isichei also advised government to integrate HIV treatment into the state health insurance scheme to ensure long-term access for residents.
