NIGERIA: Use Condom: 581 Lives Lost To HIV, Over 2000 New Infections Recorded In Plateau In 2023

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria

Plateau State witnessed a sobering health crisis in 2023, with 581 deaths linked to HIV/AIDS and 2,270 new infections recorded, according to the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cletus Shurkuk.

Speaking during the 2024 World AIDS Day commemoration in Jos on Saturday, Shurkuk unveiled these troubling figures, underscoring the persistent challenge the state faces in combating the epidemic.

“This year’s theme, ‘Take the Right Path,’ is a poignant reminder of the critical need for informed choices in tackling HIV/AIDS,” he said.

Currently, 45,835 people in Plateau State are living with HIV and receiving Antiretroviral Therapy (ART). The state government has scaled up its response, expanding testing services to over 900 healthcare facilities and ramping up awareness campaigns on prevention and treatment.

Efforts to curb mother-to-child transmission have also shown promise, with 46,828 pregnant women screened between January and June 2024.

Shurkuk highlighted that Plateau has achieved the 88-98-95 milestone—indicating significant progress toward the UNAIDS global 99-95-95 target by 2030, aimed at ending the HIV epidemic. However, he stressed the need for sustained efforts to address gaps in education, community engagement, and healthcare access.

“To truly take the right path, we must focus on comprehensive sex education and heightened awareness, especially for young people. They are the key to shaping a more informed and resilient future,” Shurkuk said.

He also called for greater investment in research and innovation while applauding development partners for their contributions to healthcare delivery in the state.

The 2024 World AIDS Day theme underscores the importance of community-driven efforts, prevention, and treatment access. It serves as a global call to action for individuals, governments, and organisations to prioritise the fight against HIV/AIDS and support those affected by the disease.