No fewer than 14,262 people are living with HIV in Yobe State and are currently accessing Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) within and outside the state.
Adamu Kaduwa, Chairman of the Network of People Living with HIV and AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN), Yobe Chapter, disclosed this in an interview with reporters on Thursday in Damaturu.
He stated that more than 57,748 children, spouses and other dependents of People Living with HIV (PLHIV) rely directly or indirectly on HIV response services in the state.
“These are not just figures; they are real families — women, men, caregivers, young people, workers and community builders whose collective stability strengthens the social and economic stability of Yobe.
“This is why disruptions in the HIV response affect more than health outcomes — they affect livelihoods, household survival and the future of thousands,” he said.
Kaduwa appealed to the state government to provide sustained and expanded empowerment programmes for PLHIV.
“The funding cuts and global disruptions have weakened the income base of many of our members.
“Empowering PLHIV through skills acquisition, livelihood support, grants and community-based initiatives will not only reduce economic vulnerabilities but also improve treatment adherence, family stability and social cohesion.
“Empowerment is part of treatment. Empowerment is part of prevention. Empowerment is part of overcoming disruptions,” he said.
He further urged the state government to support NEPWHAN with permanent office accommodation, an operational vehicle and a medical and humanitarian assistance fund dedicated to the group’s activities.
Kaduwa explained that the office would serve as a training hub, counseling centre and safe space for PLHIV, while the vehicle would facilitate movement across the 17 local government areas to reach field workers and over 33 support groups.
He thanked the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (YODEMA) and the North East Development Commission (NEDC) for their relief programmes and ongoing support to the group.
Kaduwa reaffirmed NEPWHAN’s commitment to supporting, educating, empowering, mobilizing and protecting PLHIV across the state.
