Plateau State's HIV/AIDS prevalence rate stands at 1.6 percent, slightly above the national average of 1.4 percent, according to Dr. Nicholas Baamlong, the State Commissioner for Health.

Speaking during a media briefing in Jos on Friday, Dr. Baamlong highlighted both progress and ongoing challenges in the state's fight against HIV/AIDS. The briefing focused on the activities and achievements of the health ministry from May 2023 to date.

"The state's HIV/AIDS prevalence rate of 1.6 per cent is still slightly above the national prevalence rate of 1.4 per cent," Baamlong stated, acknowledging that despite significant progress, the burden of the disease remains substantial.

According to the commissioner, Plateau State recorded 2,520 new HIV infection cases as of December 2024. Currently, 46,126 persons living with HIV in the state are receiving Antiretroviral Therapy (ART).

Government Interventions

The Plateau State government has implemented several measures to reduce the prevalence of HIV/AIDS. These include providing funding for expanded access to family life health education for both in-school and out-of-school youths.

Baamlong revealed that funding has also been allocated for community HIV sensitization programs and HIV testing services across selected communities. These initiatives aim to strengthen community systems and support testing and re-testing of the general population, key vulnerable groups, and pregnant women.

Additionally, the government has funded the mapping of all Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) implementing HIV services in the state through the Civil Society for HIV and AIDS in Nigeria (CISHAN). This effort seeks to strengthen community structures for providing equitable HIV prevention interventions.

The commissioner also mentioned that renovation of the Plateau AIDS Control Agency (PLACA) office complex is currently underway. This renovation aims to improve the quality of the work environment and boost donor confidence in the agency's operations.

These interventions reflect the state government's commitment to addressing the HIV/AIDS challenge in Plateau State and bringing the prevalence rate below the national average in the coming years.