Bauchi treats 2,246 newly diagnosed HIV patients, stakeholders warn against funding setbacks
By Ahmed Ahmed
Bauchi State has provided free and comprehensive Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) to no fewer than 2,246 newly diagnosed HIV-positive individuals between January and November 2025, in renewed efforts to curb the spread of the virus and strengthen the state’s HIV response.
The Commissioner for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Sani Mohammed, disclosed this on Monday during the commemoration of the 2025 World AIDS Day in Bauchi.
The global theme for this year’s event is “Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response.”Mohammed, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dauda Yakubu, said the theme reflects the numerous challenges confronting HIV programmes, particularly the impact of recent funding cuts and disruptions in the global health system.
He announced that Bauchi State also recorded a remarkable milestone with 650 HIV-exposed infants achieving 100 per cent early infant diagnosis, ensuring timely intervention to prevent mother-to-child transmission of the virus.
“This year’s commemoration includes rallies, medical outreach, health talks, lectures, and distribution of nutritional support to People Living With HIV,” he said.
The commissioner highlighted the state’s steady progress, noting that HIV prevalence in Bauchi dropped significantly from 6.8 per cent in 2001 to 0.4 per cent in 2018.
“We have made tremendous progress in saving lives and preventing new infections,” he added.
He commended Gov Bala Mohammed for his unwavering support to the state’s Agency for the Control of HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Malaria (BACATMA), particularly the allocation of one per cent of Local Government Funds to sustain the fight against infectious diseases.Speaking at the event, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)
Executive Director, Ms. Diene Keita, emphasised that strengthening HIV prevention remains the most reliable pathway to achieving an AIDS-free generation.
Represented by Gender and Reproductive Health Analyst, Deborah Tabara, Keita warned that unprecedented global funding cuts have weakened prevention programmes, depriving an estimated 2.5 million people of vital pre-exposure medications.
The Executive Chairman of BACATMA, Adamu Sambo, said the agency has intensified efforts to identify and support individuals requiring care across health facilities statewide
