In commemoration of World AIDS Day, the Plateau State Ministry of Health held activities to raise awareness and strengthen the fight against HIV/AIDS. The event brought together health officials, partners, and community stakeholders.
The Ministry used the occasion to highlight progress made so far and to call for renewed commitment. It emphasized early testing, access to treatment, and the need to end all forms of stigma.
The Plateau State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nicholas Ba’amlong, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to strengthening community-led health services. He said the goal is to ensure no resident is left behind due to stigma or discrimination.
He explained that recent data shows new infections and deaths, but also steady progress in treatment coverage. He credited partners and health workers for their continuous support in reducing HIV cases.
“We should invest in programs that prioritize access to health and dignity and build resilient systems that protect the rights of all,” he said, noting that the state recorded 2,786 new cases and 460 deaths last year.
Dr. Ba’amlong announced that Plateau State has expanded HIV testing to over 900 health facilities. He said the government is also working to prevent mother-to-child transmission and strengthen youth-focused awareness programs.
“At the recently concluded National Council on Health, the Federal Ministry of Health approved a reduction in the age of consent for voluntary testing and counseling to 14 years,” he stated, explaining that this targets adolescents who account for a significant portion of new infections.
He called on communities to fight stigmatization and urged health workers to continue serving with empathy. He added that with ongoing support, Plateau State can achieve wider access to quality healthcare and reduce HIV infections.
Also speaking, The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Bitrus Hosea Kel, announced that the World AIDS Day activities would begin with a walk starting from Old Airport Junction at 8 a.m. He said participants would move from there to the event centre behind NTA for the town hall session.
He emphasized that the walk is a collaborative effort and called on all invited stakeholders to join. Mr. Kel also encouraged participants to come out in their masks and support the ministry’s awareness campaign.
