HIV Burden In Yobe Hits 14,262, NEPWHAN Raises Concern

No fewer than 14,262 persons are currently living with HIV in Yobe State, with many accessing Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) within and outside the state.

Chairman of the Network of People Living with HIV and AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN), Yobe State Chapter, Mallam Adamu Kaduwa, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Damaturu on Thursday.

Kaduwa also revealed that over 57,748 children, spouses and other dependents of People Living with HIV (PLHIV) rely directly or indirectly on the state’s HIV response for their wellbeing.

“These are not just figures; they are real families — women, men, caregivers, young people, workers and community builders whose collective stability strengthens the social and economic fabric of Yobe,” he said.

He warned that disruptions in HIV services go beyond health impacts. “They affect livelihoods, household survival and the future of thousands,” he added.

Kaduwa appealed to the state government to provide sustained and expanded empowerment programmes for PLHIV, noting that funding cuts and global disruptions had weakened the economic stability of many members.

“Empowering PLHIV through skills acquisition, livelihood support, grants and community-based initiatives will reduce economic vulnerabilities and improve treatment adherence, family stability and social cohesion.

“Empowerment is part of treatment. Empowerment is part of prevention. Empowerment is part of overcoming disruptions,” he stressed.

The NEPWHAN chairman also urged the state government to support the group with permanent office accommodation, an operational vehicle, and the establishment of a medical and humanitarian assistance fund to boost its activities across the state.

According to him, a dedicated office would serve as a training centre, counselling hub and safe space for PLHIV, while an official vehicle would enhance field operations across the 17 local government areas and engagements with over 33 support groups.

He appreciated the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (YODEMA) and the North East Development Commission (NEDC) for their ongoing relief programmes and support initiatives for PLHIV in the state.

Kaduwa reaffirmed NEPWHAN’s commitment to supporting, educating, empowering, mobilising and protecting people living with HIV across Yobe State.