Sokoto State has achieved the United Nations’ 95-95-95 HIV/AIDS control target, officials announced on Monday during World AIDS Day events, marking a major breakthrough in the state’s public health efforts.
The Executive Secretary of the Sokoto State Agency for the Control of HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Leprosy (SOSACAT), Alhaji Kabiru Umar, said the state had surpassed global benchmarks by ensuring 95 per cent of people living with HIV know their status, 95 per cent of those diagnosed are on treatment and 95 per cent of those treated have attained viral suppression.
Speaking at a public awareness event organised by the Ministry of Health and SOSACAT, Umar said the year’s theme—“Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response”—reflected Sokoto’s resilience in overcoming past challenges. He attributed the progress to consistent support from Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s administration.
He urged residents to embrace regular testing and avoid stigmatising people living with HIV, describing continued public participation as vital to sustaining the gains achieved.
Governor Aliyu’s representative, Dr Bello Marnona, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to strengthening healthcare and protecting the rights of people living with HIV/AIDS. The State House of Assembly’s Committee on Health, represented by its chairman Alhaji Kabiru Dauda, also promised to bolster legislation supporting treatment and prevention services.
In Adamawa State, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri said his government had maintained essential HIV prevention services despite disruption risks. Speaking through his deputy, Prof. Kaletafwa Farauta, Fintiri said the state procured 34,000 HIV and syphilis test kits to close service gaps, especially for pregnant women and high-risk groups.
Dr Boniface Gundiri, Executive Secretary of the Adamawa State Agency for the Control of AIDS, reported encouraging indicators: 40,000 people currently receiving treatment, with 93 per cent achieving viral suppression; a drop in new infections from 2,007 between January and October 2024 to 1,267 in the same period this year; and a decline in overall prevalence from 2.5 per cent in 2014 to 1.1 per cent. The state recorded around 400 HIV-related deaths in 2024.
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) pledged continued support for Nigeria’s HIV response. Country Representative Muriel Mafico, represented by Dr Danladi Idriss, said nearly 27 million lives had been saved worldwide through joint efforts.
He called for renewed cooperation “to finish the work and move closer to an AIDS-free generation”.
Adamawa’s First Lady, Lami Fintiri, stressed the importance of community partnership and ongoing support for vulnerable households, donating food and essential supplies to people living with HIV.
