by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The Plateau State Government says it has made significant progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS, with 98,403 people having been screened for HIV, between January and September, out of which 1,910 were confirmed positive.
The Sate Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nicholas AS Ba’amlong, disclosed this on Sunday during a press conference as part of activities to mark the 2025 World AIDS Day in Jos.
He revealed that, “1,859 persons are currently on ART (anti-retroviral therapy),” adding “This is an indication that the virus is still very much with us in the state.”
Dr. Ba’amlong further explained that, the estimated people living with HIV/AIDS in the state is about 51,370 persons, and a total number of those on ART as at September 2025 is 47,056,with a total number of 14,001 males, while 33,055 are females.
He said, among children, they have about 1.835 on ART, while 882 are males and 953 are females, adding that, about 30,743 pregnant women tested for HIV, between January and September 2025 revealed that 39 pregnant women tested positive and are already linked to care.
The Commissioner further stated that, in 2024, the state reported a total of 2,786 new cases of HIV infected persons, and recorded a total number of 460 deaths.
He said, the statistics above may show a steady decline, but all due to the concerted efforts of their partners, Governments at Federal, States and Local and, in particular, their heath workers.
“We have tried to increase awareness about HIV prevention and treatment. Our state has expanded testing services to over 900 health facilities, including faith-based and traditional birth homes targeting mostly pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. It’s easier for individuals to know their status and seek appropriate care,” he stated.
The Commissioner also called on communities to support the fight against stigmatization of people living with HIV/AIDS, and urged health workers to continue delivering care with utmost professionalism and empathy.
While cautioning young people to take responsibilities of their health through awareness, prevention and testing, he equally urged partners to continue to collaborate with them, in order to strengthen their HIV response.
According to him, “Jos North has the highest number of people infected with HIV, while Langtang and Shendam are second, followed by Mangu Local Government Area of the State.”