Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to intensifying the fight against HIV/AIDS across the state.
Speaking on Monday in Jos during the commemoration of World AIDS Day, Governor Mutfwang—represented by his deputy, Ngo Josephine Piyo—said Plateau State is recording steady progress despite recent setbacks, including the temporary suspension of some donor-funded programmes.
He noted that the government is taking deliberate steps to assume full responsibility for the healthcare needs of residents, in line with the global agenda to end the spread of HIV/AIDS.
World AIDS Day, marked annually on December 1, is dedicated to raising awareness about HIV, supporting people living with the virus, and honouring those who have died due to AIDS-related illnesses.
“This day calls us to reflect, but more importantly, it calls us to act,” the governor said. “The global theme for this year challenges us to transform the response, overcome disruptions, and place people at the centre of our interventions.
“Plateau State remains firmly committed to the UNAIDS target of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. This commitment is not mere rhetoric; it is a mandate my administration holds dearly.”
Governor Mutfwang acknowledged the increasing challenge of donor fatigue and diminishing funding but said the state would not allow external factors to shape its future.
“Instead of fear, we choose resilience. Instead of retreat, we advance boldly,” he stated. “My administration is charting a future where Plateau State takes full responsibility for the healthcare of its people, with or without external support.”
As part of efforts to strengthen the health sector, he announced that the state government has approved the immediate recruitment of more than 1,000 healthcare workers across the Primary Health Care Board and the Hospital Management Board.
The new workers, he said, include doctors, nurses, midwives, laboratory scientists, community health extension workers (CHEWs), and other essential cadres expected to bolster the state’s healthcare system.
