by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The Plateau State Government says it’s over a year since it made “significant progress” in the Fight Against HIV/AIDS.
Commissioner of Health, Dr. Cletus Bako Shurkuk, while briefing newsmen at the State Ministry of Health Jos on Friday, to kick-start the commemoration of the World AIDS Day, stated that, it’s “a day that reminds us of the ongoing battle against HIV/AIDS and our collective responsibility to ensure that our communities are informed, supported, and empowered.
“The theme for this year, ‘Take the Right Path to End HIV/AIDS,’ emphasizes the importance of informed decision-making, inclusive healthcare access, and the urgent need for comprehensive education about HIV/AIDS,” he added.
According to him, “In 2023, the state reported a total of 2,260 new cases of HIV infection and a total of 581 deaths; currently estimated 45,835 persons are on lives saving ART, about 46,828 pregnancy women were tested for HIV between January and June 2024, and the state has achieved 88-98-95 target towards meeting the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) goal of 95 percent of people with HIV infection know their status.
He said, “95 percent of those who know their status are placed on treatment, and 95 percent of those on treatment achieve viral load suppression (95-95-95) by 2030, a path to HIV epidemic control.”
The Commissioner commended the tireless efforts of the healthcare workers, implementing partners, community organizations, and stakeholders.
“We have increased awareness about HIV prevention and treatment. Our state has expanded testing services – to over 900 health care facilities, targeting mostly pregnant and breast feeding mothers, making it easier for individuals to know their status and seek appropriate care,” he noted.
Dr. Shurkuk futher stated that, they have also strengthened their partnerships with non-governmental organizations, which play an essential role in outreach and education.
“However, we must acknowledge that challenges persist. Low paediatric and adolescent case finding, stigma and discrimination continue to hinder our efforts, preventing individuals from seeking the care they need.
“We must work together to break these barriers and foster an environment where people feel safe and empowered to discuss their health without fear of judgment,” he said.
He stressed that, “To take the right path, we must focus on several critical areas: Education and Awareness; and we must enhance our educational efforts, particularly among young people.
“Comprehensive sex education that includes information about HIV prevention, safe practices, and the realities of living with HIV/AIDS is vital in shaping a more informed future generation, access to healthcare.”
He noted that, they are committed to ensuring that everyone has access to quality healthcare services, saying, “This includes regular testing, counselling, and access to antiretroviral therapy (ART).
“We will continue to advocate for policies that expand healthcare access, especially in rural and undeserved communities, Community Engagement; and we must involve communities in our response to HIV/AIDS, local leaders, faith-based organizations, and community groups play a crucial role in reaching those who may be hesitant to seek help.
“By empowering these groups, we can create a more robust support network for those affected by HIV/AIDS.
While we will continue to support research initiatives aimed at finding new ways to prevent and treat HIV/AIDS, innovative approaches, including new medications, prevention strategies, and treatment methods, are essential in our ongoing efforts to combat this epidemic.
“As we observe and kick-start the commemoration of the World AIDS Day, let us honour those we have lost to this disease and those who continue to live with it; and we must also pay homage to the healthcare workers, stakeholders, and researchers who dedicate their lives to fighting this epidemic,” he stated.
Dr. Shurkuk urged the people – whether they are healthcare professionals, a community leader, and member of the press – all stake holders to take the right path in their advocacy and support for people living with HIV/AIDS.
“Together, we can create a future where every individual is treated with dignity and respect, where stigma is a thing of the past, and where we can all contribute to a world free from the burden of HIV/AIDS.”