- 398 HIV/AIDS deaths recorded in Taraba within six months, officials confirm.
- 50,310 people currently on ART, including children and adults.
- Officials blame rising deaths on withdrawal of U.S. health funding.
- Governor Kefas urges collective action to end HIV/AIDS in Taraba.
The Taraba State AIDS Control Agency (TACA) has confirmed that 398 residents died from HIV/AIDS between the second and third quarters of 2025, marking one of the highest mortality spikes recorded in recent years.
TACA disclosed that 50,310 persons living with HIV/AIDS are currently on antiretroviral therapy (ART) across various health facilities in the state. Out of this number, 2,674 children and teenagers aged 0–19 are receiving treatment, while 47,636 adults from age 20 upward are also living with the virus.
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Officials linked the rising death rate to the withdrawal of U.S. health assistance under former President Donald Trump, which affected countries like Nigeria that previously relied on international AIDS intervention funding.
While speaking at an event to commemorate World AIDS Day 2025 in Jalingo, Governor Agbu Kefas appealed for stronger community involvement, stressing that the fight against HIV/AIDS must not slow down.
“We must ensure that no one is denied treatment or care,” the governor said, represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Buma Gbansheya Bordiya.
“This moment reminds us of our shared responsibility. Despite challenges, Taraba remains committed to a strong, resilient HIV response.”
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the health sector, particularly for women, youths and vulnerable groups living with HIV.
The Director-General of TACA, Dr. Bako Ali Istifanus, cautioned that the state must intensify efforts to prevent more deaths.
“We cannot rest yet. To overcome disruption, we must sustain investment in prevention, treatment and community engagement,” he said.
However, the most emotional appeal came from Igbadu Elizabeth, coordinator of the Association of Women Living With HIV/AIDS in Taraba, who expressed fear that rising deaths had become a threat to survival.
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She revealed that over 50,000 people with HIV/AIDS reside in the state, with Jalingo alone accounting for more than 16,000 cases.
“From July to September 2025 alone, we lost 215 people, the highest I’ve seen in 13 years on treatment,” she said, visibly shaken.
“Between October and the last week of November, we lost another 83. This used to be our yearly figure. Now it is happening in just months.”
She warned that without urgent intervention, the situation could escalate beyond control.
