No fewer than 2,246 newly diagnosed HIV-positive persons have received free Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) in Bauchi State, the Commissioner for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Sani Mohammed, has said.
He made the disclosure on Monday in Bauchi during the 2025 World AIDS Day commemoration, themed “Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response.”
Dr. Mohammed said the beneficiaries received comprehensive ART treatment between January and the present, adding that 650 HIV-exposed infants achieved 100 per cent early infant diagnosis, protecting them from HIV infection.
Represented by Dauda Yakubu, Permanent Secretary in the ministry, he explained that the theme highlights challenges posed by recent funding cuts and other setbacks in HIV campaigns.
“It reminds us of the need to build a stronger, more resilient, and rights-focused approach as we work toward ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
“This commemoration includes activities such as rallies, health talks, medical outreaches, lectures, and the distribution of nutritional support to people living with HIV,” he said.
Dr. Mohammed noted that Bauchi State has made significant progress over the years, with HIV prevalence declining from 6.8 per cent in 2001 to 0.4 per cent in 2018.
“We have made tremendous progress in saving the lives of people living with HIV and preventing new infections in Bauchi State,” he said.
He commended Governor Bala Mohammed for supporting the state’s Agency for the Control of HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, Leprosy, and Malaria (BACATMA), including allocating one per cent of Local Government Council funds to strengthen the fight against these diseases.
Ms. Diene Keita, Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), said that progress in HIV prevention remains the surest path to achieving an AIDS-free generation.
She highlighted that medical and policy breakthroughs have expanded protection against HIV infection and enhanced rights and choices for people worldwide.
“However, this progress is facing major setbacks, as unprecedented funding cuts in international aid have severely affected HIV prevention programmes,” she said.
Represented by Deborah Tabara, Gender and Reproductive Health Analyst at UNFPA, Keita noted that nearly 2.5 million people were deprived of life-saving pre-exposure medications due to funding cuts.
Adamu Sambo, Executive Chairman of BACATMA, added that the agency has intensified efforts to identify and attend to patients across health facilities in the state.
