December 01, (THEWILL) — As the world marks the 2025 World HIV/AIDS Day, the Benue State Government says it has domesticated laws aimed at protecting people living with the virus.
Governor Hyacinth Alia, represented on Monday at a road-walk awareness event in Makurdi by Deputy Governor Dr. Sam Ode, said the laws—passed in 2019—were designed to curb discrimination and stigmatization against persons living with HIV/AIDS in the state.
He restated his administration’s commitment to upgrading healthcare facilities to better respond to HIV/AIDS and other medical challenges.
The governor commended partners including the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), international donors and technical partners for their continued support in combating the scourge in the state.
He described HIV/AIDS response as a top priority for the government, calling for renewed advocacy, commitment, and collaboration among all stakeholders.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Paul Ogwuche, praised development partners for their contributions to strengthening the state’s health sector.
He also acknowledged Governor Alia’s efforts, particularly the establishment of testing centres to encourage residents to know their status.
Chairman of the Shimaveren Support Group Association at the Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi, Dina Doose Aernyi, applauded the government for organising the road walk, noting that the exercise would help stimulate public awareness.
She urged residents who had not yet taken advantage of free HIV testing to do so, assuring them of strict confidentiality.
Also speaking, the AHD Champion Lead Facilitator in Benue State, Josephine Angev, representing AFROCAB–UNITAID Save Lives Faster – THRIVE, said the organisation had been taking HIV/AIDS awareness campaigns to communities across the state.
She noted that Makurdi, Gboko, and Aliade in Gwer East had already been covered, with plans to extend outreach to all 23 LGAs in due course.
She commended Governor Alia for strengthening the health system through the establishment of HIV/AIDS testing centres in primary healthcare facilities.
Highlights of the event included distribution of condoms and lubricants, dance presentations, and goodwill messages from various groups and associations.
