Plateau State recorded 2,260 new HIV infections and 581 related deaths in 2023, according to the state’s Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cletus Shurkuk. He made the revelation on Saturday in Jos during the commemoration of the 2024 World AIDS Day, which is observed globally on December 1 each year.
This year’s World AIDS Day theme, “Take the Right Path,” emphasizes the importance of making informed choices in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Dr. Shurkuk shared that as of now, 45,835 people in Plateau are living with HIV and are receiving Antiretroviral Therapy (ART). The state has also expanded HIV testing services to over 900 healthcare facilities and intensified efforts to raise awareness about prevention and treatment options.
One area of notable progress has been the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV. Between January and June 2024, 46,828 pregnant women were tested for HIV, helping to reduce the risk of transmission to infants.
The State is also on track to meet the UNAIDS global target of 99-95-95 by 2030. Plateau has already achieved the 88-98-95 target, a significant milestone in controlling the HIV epidemic.
For the fight against HIV to continue on the right path, Dr. Shurkuk stressed the need for enhanced sex education, especially among the youth, who are seen as crucial in shaping an informed future generation. He also called for greater community involvement, better healthcare access, and more investment in research and innovation to further combat the disease.
The Commissioner commended development partners for their ongoing collaboration in providing essential healthcare services across Plateau.
World AIDS Day 2024 highlights the importance of informed decision-making, awareness, and collective action in the ongoing global fight against HIV/AIDS. The day serves as a reminder to governments, organizations, and individuals to prioritize prevention, treatment access, and support for those living with HIV.
