Plateau State recorded 2,260 new circumstances of Human Immunodeficiency Virus infections and 581 associated deaths in 2023, in accordance with the state Commissioner for Well being, Dr Cletus Shurkuk.
Shurkuk disclosed this on Saturday in Jos throughout an occasion to commemorate the 2024 World AIDS Day, noticed globally on December 1.
This 12 months’s theme, “Take the Proper Path,” highlights the significance of creating knowledgeable decisions within the struggle towards HIV/AIDS.
“Presently, 45,835 folks in Plateau reside with HIV and are on Antiretroviral Remedy (ART),” Shurkuk mentioned.
He famous that the state authorities had expanded HIV testing providers to over 900 healthcare amenities and intensified consciousness campaigns on prevention and remedy.
Efforts to stop mother-to-child transmission of HIV have additionally seen vital progress, with 46,828 pregnant ladies examined between January and June 2024.
Shurkuk highlighted that Plateau State had achieved the 88-98-95 goal as it really works in direction of assembly the UNAIDS world objective of 99-95-95 by 2030—a essential step in direction of controlling the HIV epidemic.
“For us to really take the fitting path, there should be elevated complete intercourse schooling and consciousness, significantly amongst younger folks, who’re key to shaping a extra knowledgeable future technology,” Shurkuk emphasised.
He additionally referred to as for better neighborhood engagement, improved entry to healthcare, and additional funding in analysis and innovation to fight the illness.
The commissioner counseled improvement companions for his or her collaboration in delivering high quality healthcare providers throughout the state.
PUNCH On-line experiences that the 2024 World AIDS Day, noticed on December 1 with the theme “Take the Proper Path,” emphasises the significance of knowledgeable selections, elevated consciousness, and community-driven efforts within the world struggle towards HIV/AIDS.
It serves as a name to motion for people, governments, and organisations to prioritise prevention, entry to remedy, and help for these residing with the illness.
(NAN)