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 highlighted the Five-Point Agenda of Governor Agbu Kefas in providing a strong foundation for advancing the fight against HIV/AIDS in our state.
Those include a secure environment 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 disclosed that Education plays a 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 that 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 points out that social protection initiatives 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.
“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.
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.
