Nasarawa State Human Capital Development Agency (NSHCDA) has called for sustained collaborative action to stem the tide of new HIV infections in order to achieve zero HIV/AIDS in the state in 2030.
The Director General of the Agency and Focal Person, Habiba-Balarabe Suleiman made the call during the World AIDS Day (WAD) Commemoration on Tuesday in Lafia.
According to her, the call became necessary considering the 2,000 new infections recorded in the state in 2024, noting that the figure is far from acceptable.
She, therefore, called for sustained collective action and collaboration in order to change the narrative.
“We are pleased to note a significant decline in stigmatisation, however, the fact that 2,000 people are still infected is a stark reminder that there is much work to do,” she said.
Balarabe-Suleiman said that the vision of the agency under “Health and Nutrition” was to foster a healthier population by the year 2030, where every member of society would be a productive contributor.
“We remain open to partnership, our technical expertise and financial support are readily available to ensure we achieve our shared goal of eradicating HIV/AIDS together, we can make a difference.
“Our vision remains a healthier citizenry by the year 2030, to realise this, we must remember that the fight is against HIV, not against people living with it,” she said.
Earlier in her remarks, Executive Director, of Nasarawa State Aids Control Agency (NASACA), Dr Ruth Bello said the day was set aside to celebrate the resilience and determination of people living with HIV.
“Today, we gather to remember, reflect and recommit ourselves to the fight against HIV/AIDS, we acknowledge the progress made in our dear state and the country’s response to the epidemic.
“We still have more work to do, Nasarawa state still recorded a significant number of new infections, even though declining in 2024, we have 2,934 new infections.
According to Bello, the Path that ends AIDS is the right path, it is a call to action urging us to make informed choices and decisions that promote HIV prevention, treatment, care and support.
“We are stronger together and we must sustain and accelerate our efforts to address HIV/AIDS and its co-occurring sexually transmitted infections,” she said.
Bello expressed gratitude to the implementing partners, stakeholders and supporters who have worked tirelessly to make World AIDS Day a huge success.
Hajiya Silifat Sule, Wife of the Governor of Nasarawa State, represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Aisha Rufia, underscored sustained action to overcome the challenges of HIV/AIDS and foster inclusion to ensure access to health services.
The World AIDS Day with the theme: “Take the Right Path: Sustain the HIV response and stop HIV among children” was marked in Nasarawa State with a road walk, HIV and sugar level screening.
It had in attendance the representatives of NGOs, the State Ministry of Health, World Health Organisation, Institute of Human Virology of Nigeria, Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Network of People Living with HIV.
NAN
