The Benue State Government on Friday organised a special Jumat remembrance prayer in honour of residents who have lost their lives to HIV/AIDS over the years.
DAILY POST gathered that Christian worship centres across the state will hold similar memorial services on Sunday.
The prayer session forms part of activities marking the 2024 World AIDS Day, with the state government expressing confidence in ongoing improvements in its HIV response. At present, 194,274 individuals are on treatment across the 23 Local Government Areas.
The Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Paul Ogwuche, revealed the figures during an interview in Makurdi after addressing stakeholders and implementing partners.
Ogwuche explained that the state is intensifying efforts to further reduce its current prevalence rate of 4.3 per cent, stressing that Benue has made remarkable progress from the 15.4 per cent previously recorded. He reiterated the ministry’s dedication to eliminating AIDS as a public health challenge.
He further stated that the 2024 global theme, “Overcoming Disruptions, Sustaining Nigeria’s HIV Response,” mirrors Benue’s experience, adding that despite obstacles, the state remains committed to providing widespread access to HIV prevention, treatment and care.
“For us in Benue, we have worked with our implementing partners to ensure continuous access to life-saving antiretroviral drugs across all HIV treatment facilities,” the commissioner said.
Ogwuche also outlined key milestones achieved through the Benue State Agency for the Control of AIDS, BENSACA, such as expanded testing services, universal treatment access and improvements in the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission, PMTCT, programme. According to him, Benue has continued to broaden its reach in delivering various prevention options.
“In Benue State, we are committed to ensuring that every person living with HIV achieves viral suppression through consistent treatment adherence. This is our strategy for ending AIDS as a public health threat,” he said.
On his part, the acting Executive Secretary of BENSACA, Dr. Terna Akpiyo, assured patients that the gradual withdrawal of foreign aid will not disrupt their access to treatment. He noted that the state and its partners have already begun a transition plan to maintain an uninterrupted supply of antiretroviral medication.
“We don’t have a shortage of ARVs. A transition plan has been in place knowing that by 2030, external funding will cease. Patients have been integrated into the insurance scheme; what is left is the enrolment process to ensure continuous access to their drugs. BENSACA is now in the driver’s seat,” Akpiyo said.
Another official of BENSACA, Nezan James, said the state’s HIV prevalence is likely lower than the 4.3 per cent recorded in the 2018 National HIV/AIDS Indicator and Impact Survey, NAIIS, citing improvements made since then.
“There hasn’t been a new survey since the 2018 NAIIS report, but with 194,274 patients currently on treatment and the significant interventions over the years, we believe the prevalence should be lower now. The increased budgetary support from Governor Hyacinth Alia has also strengthened our response,” he said.