The Benue State Government on Friday held a Jumat remembrance prayer for citizens who have died from HIV/AIDS over the years.

Daily Trust reports that similar prayers are expected to hold in churches across the state on Sunday.

The event is part of activities ahead of the 2024 World AIDS Day, as the government expressed optimism about progress in its HIV response, with 194,274 patients currently receiving treatment across the 23 Local Government Areas.

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State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Paul Ogwuche, disclosed the figures during an interview in Makurdi shortly after a press briefing with stakeholders and implementing partners.

Ogwuche said the state is working to further reduce its 4.3 percent prevalence rate, adding that Benue had achieved a significant decline from the 15.4 percent recorded in earlier years. He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to ending AIDS as a public health threat in the state.

He noted that the 2024 global theme, “Overcoming Disruptions, Sustaining Nigeria’s HIV Response,” aligns strongly with Benue’s experience, explaining that despite challenges, the state is determined to ensure that every resident has access to comprehensive HIV prevention, treatment, and care services.

“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 highlighted achievements recorded by the Benue State Agency for the Control of AIDS (BENSACA), including universal access to treatment, expanded testing services, and improvements in the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) programme. He added that the state has also scaled up access to various prevention methods.

He emphasised the importance of the scientific principle Undetectable Equals Untransmittable (U=U), describing it as a tool that empowers people living with HIV while reducing stigma and providing a clear pathway to eliminating new infections.

“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 the sidelines, the Acting Executive Secretary of BENSACA, Dr. Terna Akpiyo, reassured patients that they would not be affected by the gradual withdrawal of foreign aid for HIV programmes.

He said the state and its partners had already initiated a transition process to guarantee uninterrupted access to antiretroviral drugs.

“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 enrollment process to ensure continuous access to their drugs. BENSACA is now in the driver’s seat,” Akpiyo said.

Also speaking, Nezan James of BENSACA said the state’s HIV prevalence rate is likely lower than the 4.3 percent recorded in the 2018 National HIV/AIDS Indicator and Impact Survey (NAIIS), noting the progress 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.