Plateau State records 1,910 new HIV cases in 2025 as officials intensify testing, treatment access, and awareness campaigns.

Plateau State has uncovered 1,910 new HIV cases between January and September 2025. The figure came after health officials screened more than 98,000 residents across the state.

Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nicholas Ba’amlong, shared the update on Sunday during a media briefing ahead of this year’s World AIDS Day.

According to him, most of the newly diagnosed patients about 1,859 have already started antiretroviral therapy in various health facilities.

He explained that the state government is strengthening its HIV response, noting that Governor Caleb Mutfwang recently approved funding for the purchase of HIV dual test kits. These kits, he said, have now been deployed to health centres to expand testing, especially in rural communities.

This year’s World AIDS Day theme, “Overcoming Disruption: Sustaining Nigeria’s HIV Response,” reflects the reality on the ground, Ba’amlong said. He pointed out that despite improvements over the years, HIV is still a major public health issue in Plateau.

In 2024 alone, the state recorded 2,786 fresh infections and 460 deaths linked to HIV-related complications. As of September 2025, Plateau has an estimated 51,370 people living with HIV, with 47,056 already on treatment. Among them are 14,001 men and 33,055 women. For children, 1,835 are currently receiving ART—882 boys and 953 girls.

The Commissioner also highlighted progress made in preventing mother-to-child transmission. Within the nine-month period, over 30,000 pregnant women were tested for HIV, and 39 who tested positive were immediately placed on treatment to protect their babies.

He credited the decline in new infections to wider awareness campaigns, improved partnerships and expanded testing. Plateau now has more than 900 sites offering HIV screening, including faith-based hospitals and traditional birth centres.

Ba’amlong also announced an important national policy change: the Federal Ministry of Health has now lowered the age of consent for HIV testing and counselling to 14 years. He said this will help reach more adolescents, who remain a vulnerable group.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving treatment access, supporting youth-friendly services, ending mother-to-child transmission, and fighting stigma. He praised health workers, NGOs and community groups for keeping the momentum and urged them not to relent.

“Together, we can build a healthier and more inclusive Plateau where everyone has access to care,” he said.

Meanwhile, activities to mark World AIDS Day have already begun. At St. Finbarr’s Catholic Church in Rayfield, Jos, the Executive Director of the Plateau State AIDS Control Agency (PLACA), Mrs. Esther Turaki, joined other stakeholders for a special service.

Turaki, alongside the Parish Priest, Very Rev. Dennis Mancha, and a representative of the Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS, Ezekiel Afan, encouraged residents to stand against stigma. They urged the public to use the December 1 commemoration as an opportunity to get tested and know their status.

The priest also called for continued prayers for individuals living with HIV and their families, stressing the need for compassion and community support.