Photo: Executive Director Nasarawa State AIDS Control Agency (NASACA), Dr. Ruth Nabe-Bello.
By Muhammed Ogwu, Lafia
No fewer than 2,934 people are living with HIV/AIDS across the 13 local government areas in Nasarawa State, down from 4,222 and 6,614 in 2023 and 2022, respectively, according to the Executive Director of the Nasarawa State AIDS Control Agency (NASACA), Dr. Ruth Nabe-Bello.
Dr. Bello spoke during the program to mark World AIDS Day 2024, held at Old Lafia Hotel on Shendam Road, Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital. She addressed the global theme: “Collective Action: Sustain and Accelerate HIV Progress” and the national theme: “Take the Right Path: Sustain the HIV Response and Stop HIV Among Children to End AIDS in Nigeria by 2030.”
She stated, “Nasarawa State still records a significant number of new HIV infections. In 2024, we have 2,934 new infections in the state compared to 4,222 and 6,614 in 2023 and 2022, respectively. We must remain steadfast in our commitment to prevent new HIV infections and provide essential services to all people living with HIV in the state. Today, we gather to remember, reflect, and recommit ourselves to the fight against HIV/AIDS. We acknowledge the progress made in Nasarawa State and Nigeria’s response to the epidemic.”
Dr. Bello expressed concern over stigmatization and discrimination against people living with HIV in the state, noting that limited access to healthcare services, especially for key populations, is worrisome. “Many people who are living with HIV still face stigma, discrimination, and limited access to healthcare services, especially key populations. The path that ends AIDS is a rights path. It urges us to make informed choices and decisions that promote HIV prevention, treatment, care, and support.”
She emphasized the need to sustain and accelerate efforts to address HIV and its co-occurring conditions, such as syphilis, other sexually transmitted infections, mpox, mental health, substance use disorders, and hepatitis. “The progress we have achieved thus far is a testament to the power of community action. Governments, communities, civil society, advocates, faith-based communities, and public and private organizations have all played crucial roles in our shared goal to save lives, challenge stigma and discrimination, and change the course of the HIV pandemic,” she concluded.
Dr. Bello thanked the implementing partners, stakeholders, and supporters who have worked tirelessly to make the day a success, urging all to use this World AIDS Day commemoration to reaffirm their commitment to ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030.
Earlier, Nasarawa State First Lady Hajiya Salifat Abdullahi Sule advocated for collective efforts by relevant stakeholders to reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS in society.
The World AIDS Day event was organized by NASACA in collaboration with the State Ministry of Health and the Nasarawa State Human Capital Development Agency, among other partners. The program began with a rally from the State Ministry of Health through several streets in Lafia, where participants distributed pamphlets educating people on the dangers of the virus and condoms to promote safe practices.
First Lady Salifat Abdullahi Sule, represented by the Commissioner of Women Affairs and Social Development, Aisha Rufai-Ibrahim, emphasized the need for awareness and sensitization mechanisms to reduce the menace of HIV/AIDS in the country. She commended the Ministry of Health, NASACA, and all implementing partners for their efforts in fighting AIDS.
Commissioner of Health Dr. Gaza Gwamna, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr. John Damina, disclosed that the state government has enrolled over 65 patients on free medication. He reiterated the state government’s commitment to collaborate with traditional and religious institutions, relevant stakeholders in the health sector, and other partners to address HIV/AIDS.
Key partners, including the Director-General of the Human Capital Development Agency, Habitat Balarabe Suleiman, Nasarawa State Health Insurance Agency, Dr. Bawa Ubam, and the Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS, stressed the need for more awareness and collective efforts to eradicate HIV/AIDS by 2030.
During the World AIDS Day event, testing and counseling for HIV/AIDS, diabetes, and blood pressure, sponsored by NASACA and the Human Capital Development Agency, were conducted. Isa Kungar Cultural Troupe and students from the Federal University of Lafia entertained the audience with their performances.
