By Marie-Therese Nanlong

Jos – Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, on Monday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to a people-centred and sustainable HIV response, unveiling far-reaching health sector reforms during the 2025 World AIDS Day commemoration in Jos.

He insisted that despite global donor fatigue, Plateau State will remain steadfast in its determination to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.

The Governor described World AIDS Day as a moment of reflection, resilience and renewed collective action.

He emphasised that behind every statistic is a human being whose dignity must be safeguarded, noting that the State’s health reforms are designed to protect the most vulnerable.

Mutfwang, represented by his Deputy Ngo Josephine Piyo, announced the upgrade of five Primary Health Centres to cottage hospitals, strengthened drug procurement systems through expanded funding to the Plateau State Drug and Medical Commodity Management Agency, and the employment of over 1,000 additional health workers to boost testing, treatment and community outreach.

He also approved free health insurance coverage for vulnerable groups, including pregnant women and HIV-positive children under five.

The Executive Director of the Plateau State Agency for the Control of AIDS (PLACA), Mrs. Esther Turaki, lauded the Governor’s timely intervention and full release of PLACA’s 2025 budget, describing his support as strategic and visionary.

She highlighted the State’s progress, including the drop in new infections from 3,850 in 2020 to 2,520 in 2024; increased ART coverage now at 92%; and a 94% viral suppression rate.

However, she warned that shrinking global funding threatens these gains and stressed the importance of domestic resource mobilization and the newly initiated HIV Domestic Resource Mobilisation and Sustainability Strategy.

Delivering the keynote address, Professor Christian Isichei of the Faith Alive Foundation said the theme, “Overcoming Disruptions,” is not about avoiding shocks but building stronger adaptive systems.

He outlined a collective framework for sustaining Nigeria’s HIV response, noting that government must “invest and lead with strong policy and funding commitments,” while health workers should innovate and maintain dedication despite pressure, minimizing industrial disharmony.

He called on communities to mobilise, advocate and ensure accountability, and urged partners to align support with national priorities to maximise impact. “Together we can sustain Nigeria’s HIV response,” he said, adding that unified action is the surest path to an HIV-free generation.

Governor Mutfwang reaffirmed that Plateau State welcomes innovation, partnership and community-driven solutions. “The people of Plateau will not be left behind,” he declared. “Together, we will defeat HIV.”