The Plateau State Commissioner for Health, Dr Nicholas Baamlong, has revealed that the HIV/AIDS prevalence rate in the state is above the national average.
He said that the prevalence rate is currently 1.6%, slightly above the national average of 1.4%.
Dr Baamlong made the revelation on Friday in Jos, at a media briefing detailing the activities and achievements of the Ministry of Health from May 2023 to date.
While acknowledging the state’s progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS, the commissioner noted that the disease burden remains substantial.
He said that as at December 2024, the state recorded 2,520 new HIV infections. Baamlong however said that 46,126 persons living with HIV are currently receiving Antiretroviral Therapy (ART).
Efforts to Curb HIV Prevalence Rate
The commissioner outlined various initiatives by the state government aimed at reducing the HIV/AIDS prevalence rate.
Among these were the expansion of family life and health education for both in- and out-of-school youths, and increased funding for HIV sensitisation and testing services across selected communities.
“We are scaling up our community-based HIV interventions, including sensitisation campaigns, targeted testing, and retesting for key and vulnerable populations, including pregnant women,” he said.
Boosting Infrastructure And Collaboration
Dr Baamlong also highlighted efforts to reinforce community health systems, including the mapping of all Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) engaged in HIV-related services across the state.
This, he said, was conducted in collaboration with the Civil Society for HIV and AIDS in Nigeria (CISHAN) to promote equitable access to HIV prevention interventions.
As part of the broader effort to strengthen institutional frameworks, the commissioner confirmed that the renovation of the Plateau AIDS Control Agency (PLACA) office complex is currently underway.
He said the facelift will not only enhance the working environment for staff but also improve donor confidence and attract more support for our HIV response.
Dr Baamlong reaffirmed the state’s commitment to working in partnership with stakeholders, communities, and development partners to sustain the gains made in tackling HIV/AIDS and to ensure that no one is left behind.
CREDIT: NAN
