HIV: Plateau govt raises alarm against continuous stigmatization

Plateau State government has expressed concerns over the continued stigmatization of people living with HIV in the state.

The state government called for a stop, saying that it is hindering the efforts to stem the tide of the disease and preventing individuals from seeking the care they need.

Dr. Cletus Shurkuk, the State Commissioner for Health, made the disclosure while briefing newsmen to kickstart the series of events to celebrate the 2024 World’s AIDS Day with the theme: “Take the Right Path to End HIV/AIDS”.

The Commissioner appealed to stakeholders to work together to break the barriers and foster an environment where people feel safe and empowered to discuss their health without fear of judgment.

He said that they were gathered to kick-start the commemoration of World AIDS Day, a day that reminded them of the ongoing battle against HIV/AIDS and their collective responsibility to ensure that their communities were informed, supported, and empowered.

Shurkuk said, “As we come together, we reflect on the strides we have made, the challenges that remain, and the future we aspire to create where every individual can lead a healthy and fulfilling life, free from the stigma and discrimination associated with this virus, and overall an AIDS-free generation.”

The Commissioner added that the theme resonated deeply with the government’s commitment in Plateau State to prioritize health equity and to ensure that everyone, regardless of their background, had access to vital information, testing and treatment services.

He said the state had made significant progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS, saying that in 2023, the State reported a total of 2,260 new cases of HIV infection and a total of 581 deaths.

Currently, he explained that an estimated 45,835 persons are on life-saving ART, about 46,828 pregnant women were tested for HIV between January to June 2024, explaining that the State has achieved 88-98-95 target towards meeting the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) goal of 95 percent of people with HIV infection knowing their status.

HIV: Plateau govt raises alarm against continuous stigmatization