By Emmanuel Awari-Jalingo
The Taraba State Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas has advocated for the inclusion of people living with HIV/AIDS in programs and activities.
The Governor, represented by the Commissioner, Ministry of Health, Dr. Bodiya Buma, stated this during the 2025 World HIV/AIDS Day held at Crest Hall, opposite Excellence International School Mile 6, Jalingo.
“We commemorate World AIDS Day 2025, a global tradition that reminds us of our shared responsibility to end AIDS as a public health threat. This year’s theme,
“Overcoming Disruptions; Sustaining Nigeria’s HIV Response,” is both timely and compelling. It speaks to the realities we face economic pressures, insecurity, global health emergencies, and social barriers that continue to challenge our progress.
According to him, despite these disruptions, Taraba State remains unwavering in its commitment to a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable HIV response.
He highlight the Five-Point Agenda of Governor Agbu Kefas in providing a strong foundation for advancing the fight against HIV/AIDS in our state. Those includes, a secure environment i
as vital for healthcare delivery.
“Through strengthened security architecture, communities previously hard to reach are now accessible for HIV testing, treatment, and prevention services.
“Stable communities enable continuous service delivery and reduce interruptions in treatment for people living with HIV.
“Economic hardship can fuel vulnerability to HIV infection and impede access to care.
“Under the Governor’s economic revitalization initiatives, households are becoming more resilient. Livelihood support and youth empowerment have contributed to reduced risk behaviours, improved health-seeking habits, and greater treatment adherence.
The Commissioner disclose that Education plays vital role in HIV/AIDS prevention.
“Education remains a powerful tool in preventing new HIV infections. The Governor’s investment in free and accessible education expands opportunities for HIV awareness, menstrual and reproductive health literacy, adolescent-friendly interventions, and school-based prevention programs. An informed young population is key to breaking new transmission cycles.
According to him, the health sector is a priority area directly aligns with today’s theme. The reforms in infrastructure, human resources for health, expanded health insurance coverage, and revitalized primary healthcare are transforming service delivery.
“Taraba State continues to scale up HIV testing, prevention of mother-to-child transmission, treatment access, and community-based care—ensuring no one is left behind.
“The Governor’s emphasis on inclusion ensures that people living with HIV, key populations, women, and vulnerable groups are not marginalized.
The Commissioner point out that social protection initiative combined with strong support for civil society and community structures promote dignity, reduce stigma, and foster environments where individuals feel safe to seek and stay in care.
“As a Ministry, we will deepen coordination with the Taraba State AIDS Control Agency (TACA), development partners, CSOs, and health facilities to sustain uninterrupted access to antiretroviral therapy. Others are, expand community-led testing and prevention activities, promote the use of HIV self-test kits, strengthen PMTCT coverage and ensure every child is born free of HIV, address stigma and discrimination through policy, advocacy, and community engagement and integrate HIV services within broader health programs for efficiency and sustainability – he said.
“Today, we also remember those we lost to AIDS-related illnesses and honour the resilience of people living with HIV who remain at the heart of our response. Their courage inspires us to continue fighting for a future free of HIV-related deaths, stigma, and inequality.
He re-affirm the government’s commitment to overcoming disruption.
“Whether social, economic, or systemic and building a resilient HIV response in line with the vision of His Excellency Dr. Agbu Kefas.
“Together, we can sustain the momentum.
Together, we can end AIDS in Taraba State and in Nigeria. Together, we can secure a healthier, more inclusive future for all – he added.
In his remarks, the Director General, Taraba State Aids Control Agency, Dr. Bako Ali Istifanus, said that each 1st of December offers an opportunity not only to remember the millions of lives affected by HIV and AIDS but also to reaffirm a collective commitment to ending the epidemic as a public health threat.
He describe the 2025 theme “Overcoming Disruptions; Sustaining Nigeria’s HIV Response” as both timely and significant.
“It reminds us that despite the disruptions caused by global, national, and local challenges from economic downturns and pandemics to insecurity and funding constraints our determination to sustain and strengthen the HIV response must remain unwavering.
“In Taraba State, we have continued to record commendable progress through the collaborative efforts of the Taraba AIDS Control Agency (TACA), the Ministry of Health, implementing partners, and community-based organizations, we have expanded HIV testing, treatment, and prevention services across all 16 Local Government Areas.
“Today, more people living with HIV are on life-saving antiretroviral therapy than ever before, although, it is disheartening that mother-to-child transmission rates continue to rise in the state.
According to him, to truly overcome disruptions, people must sustain investments in prevention, treatment, and community engagement.
“We must also continue to fight stigma and discrimination, ensuring that every person regardless of age, gender, or background has access to quality HIV services. The power of our response lies in partnership, resilience, and innovation.
“It is pertinent to note that HIV prevalence for Taraba state is 2.90% (NAIIS 2018) the highest in North-East , Spectrum estimate for 2025 is 2.16%. Despite the disruptions that followed the stop work order by the US government about 50,310 People Living with HIV are on ART as of October, 2024 to September, 2025. (APPR/RADET Report).
“Although there is no recent Survey to prove any decline in prevalence, the weekly reports from SURGE meetings indicate progress in HIV Response by key Stakeholders in the state. We will not relent in our effort as we target zero incidence by the year 2030 – he said.
He use the medium to appreciate His Excellency, Dr. Agbu Kefas for providing strong foundation towards advancing the fight against HIV/AIDS in the state.
“These were made easy through the Five –Point Agenda which include; Security and Peace building, Economic Revitalization and job creation, Education Reform, Health Sector Strengthening, Social Welfare and Inclusive Governance. We will continue to appreciate the Ministry of Health, under the leadership of Dr. Buma G. Bordiya for their insights. The Implementing Partners ( AHNi, EGPAF, PATA, SFH etc), Community Based Organisations, Civil Societies, SASCP and the entire Stakeholders in HIV/AIDS Response deserves accolades, we achieved these results through collective effort
“As we mark this important day, let us celebrate our achievements, reflect on our challenges, and renew our commitment to an AIDS-free Taraba State and Nigeria. Together, we can build a future where no one is left behind, where HIV is no longer a threat, and where every person can live with dignity and hope.On behalf of TACA – he added.
In their goodwill messages, the Chief Medical Director, Taraba State Specialist Hospital, Dr. Alex Maiangwa, said that the disease was been heard in far countries, but today it has claimed many lives.
“We must begin now to stop spreading the disease.
He promise to include HIV/ AIDS program in Rotary Club activities.
Also speaking, Chairman, Jalingo Local Government, Hon. Nura Dansoho, promise to partner with TACA in taking the campaign across the Council and to see how it can contribute it’s quota in supporting the victims.
On his part, the Galadima Muri, Tukur Abba Tukur said that all hands must on deck in supporting people living with HIV AIDS.
“If you not a victim, you are blessed and those having the disease should exercise restrengthen. I call on well meaning individuals and Organizations to support people living with HIV AIDS and to those that have lost their lives, may their souls rest in peace.
The event started with a road work from the TSTC junction to Crest Hotel venue of the celebration.