The Plateau State Ministry of Health has revealed that 51, 370 persons are living with HIV/AIDS in the State.
It also disclosed that over 30,000 pregnant women were tested for HIV between January and September, 2025, and 39 percent of them tested positive and are already linked to care.
Adding that, HIV is more prevalent in Jos North LGA (Plateau Northern Zone), Mangu LGA (Plateau Central Zone), and in Langtang North and Shendam LGAs in (Plateau Southern Zone).
This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Health in the State, Dr Nicholas Ba’amlong, while briefing journalists in Jos the State Capital in commemoration of the 2025 World AIDS Day.
He said, “It is a day we honour the millions of lives lost to HIV, celebrate the progress of ending AIDS as a public health threat.
According to him, “The Theme for this year, ‘Overcoming Disruption: Sustaining the Nigeria’s HIV Response’ reminds us that ending AIDS is not the responsibility of one institution alone, it requires a united government, communities and individuals working hand in hand.
“The theme challenges us in strengthening community-led health services, ensures that no one is left behind due to stigma and discrimination, invest in programs that prioritize access to health and dignity and build resilient systems that protect the rights of all people living with HIV”, he maintained.
“Over the years, scientific advance and strong political will have helped reduce new HIV infections and drastically improve the quality of life of people living with HIV. We have made significant progress in our fight against HIV/AIDS.
Ba’amlong disclosed that, “In 2024, Plateau State reported a total of 2,786 new cases of HIV infected persons, 460 total number of deaths.
“In 2025, 98,403 people were screened for HIV between January-September and we found 1,910 positive cases of which 1,859 persons are currently on ART (anti-retroviral therapy).
“This is an indication that the disease or infection is still very much with us”, he decried.
“Estimated PLWHIV (people living with HIV/AIDS) in Plateau State is about 51,370 persons, having a total number of those on ART as at September 2025 is 47,056 (males -14,001, female 33,055); while among children we have about 1,835 on ART (males 882, Females 953).
He also revealed that, “About 30,743 pregnant women tested for HIV between January to September 2025, revealed that 39 pregnant women tested positive and are already linked to care.
“The statistics above may show a steady decline all due to the concerted efforts of our partners, governments at both Federal, States and Local and in particular our healthcare 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 making it easier for individuals to know their status and seek appropriate care and strengthen partnership with non governmental organization, which plays an essential role in outreaches and education.
In commemoration of this year’s World AIDS Day, Ba’amlong said, “We call on communities to support the fight against stigmatization of people living with HIV/AIDS.
“We call on healthcare workers to continue delivering care with utmost professionalism and empathy.
“We call on young people to take responsibilities for their health through awareness, prevention, and testing.
“We call on partners to continue to collaborate with us as we strengthen our HIV response”, he stressed.
