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By Akanji Alowolodu, Bauchi
Bauchi State Government has declared that the prevalence rate of HIV/AIDS in the State, has consistently declined from 6.8% in 2001 to 0.4% in 2018 (NAIIS Report).
We have made tremendous progress in saving the lives of people living with HIV and preventing new infections in Bauchi State.”
The disclosure was made by the Commissioner of Health and Social Welfare, Dr Sani Mohammed Dambam, on the commemoration of the 2025 World AIDS Day, held at the Conference Hall of the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MAHWUN) Secretariat, Bauchi, on Monday, Ist December 2025.
He stressed that significant progress has also been made over the past decades, with the landscape of the HIV epidemic in the State Improving dramatically.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, the Commissioner disclosed that, “As of today, a total of 29,874 people living with HIV are receiving ART and the State has scaled up to 863 HTS/PMTCT facilities, where the general population and pregnant women receive free HIV services.”
He added that, “This year, we have successfully placed 2,246 newly diagnosed HIV-positive individuals on antiretroviral treatment, and over 650 HIV-exposed infants have achieved 100% early infant diagnosis and remain free from HIV infection.”
The Commissioner stressed that,
“The theme for World AIDS Day 2025 is “Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response”. That is to reflect the challenges caused by recent funding cuts and other setbacks, and it reminds us of the need to build a stronger, more resilient and rights-focused approach as we work towards ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.”
“This year’s commemoration as usual, in addition to this press conference, will also comprise of series of activities which include but not limited to: Rally, Health talks, Medical Out Reach, Lectures, Distribution of Nutritional Support to PLHIV Etc.”
The Commissioner expressed sincere appreciation to the Governor of Bauchi State, Senator, Bala Mohammed, for his strong political supports to BACATMA which include but not limited to allocation of 1% of Local Government Funds to the fight against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, Leprosy, and Malaria in Bauchi State.
He also appreciated the First Lady, the Chairperson of the Advocacy and Community Social Mobilization Committee, Hajiya Aisha Bala Mohammed, and the Board Members for their continuous dedication and support.
He further thanked all implementing partners, traditional and religious institutions, civil society organizations, and the media for their unwavering cooperation and commitment just as he thanked the NEPWHAN Community for their doggedness and cooperation.
According to him, “Every year on December 1st, World AIDS Day gives people around the world a chance to join together in the fight against HIV and AIDS, support those living with the disease, and remember those who have passed away. It is also a day in which policy makers declare their compliments in the fight against the disease.”
According to him,”The first documented case of AIDS was reported on 5TH June 1981, in Los Angeles, California, at a time when no treatment was available and the mode of transmission and disease progression were not yet fully understood. Since then, various efforts have helped clarify issues related to transmission, treatment, and care.”
“Although significant progress has been made in HIV prevention, treatment and care which transformed HIV from a fatal illness to a manageable chronic condition similar to hypertension or diabetes, he added.
Sani Mohammed Dambam disclosed that,”Globally, an estimated 40.8 million people were living with HIV (WHO, 2024) and in Nigeria, approximately 2 million people are living with the virus. AIDS has left a generation of children to grow up without their parents.”
According to him, “The epidemic also disproportionately affects the most vulnerable in society: the poor, the uneducated, the marginalized, women, and children. However, while AIDS remains incurable, it no longer has to be a death sentence.”
He concluded that, “We must mobilize material, human and financial resources towards achieving ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. We must remember that the HIV clients are human beings and to many of us are friends, co-workers, or relations.”
Earlier in his remarks, Executive Chairman of Bauchi State Agency for the Control of HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (BACATMA), Dr Adamu Sambo, expressed gratitude to the State Government for supporting the agency in the fight against HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases.
He stressed that in the past years since the coming of the administration, efforts have been geared towards the identification of people who need attention at all the facilities across the state.
Adamu Sambo assured that in spite of gap created in financial support following the withdrawal of USAID, the State Government is exploiting other avenues to bridge the gap.
He assured that the Agency will continue to partner relevant agencies especially international donor agencies to ensure that care and treatment continue unhindered.
There was a road along major streets of Bauchi metropolis amidst drumming and dancing in order to create awareness on the issues of HIV/AIDS in the state.
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