World AIDS Day: Yobe records progress in HIV fight as Gov Buni approves major funding
Story by Sa’adatu MAINA, Damaturu
Yobe State joined the global community on Tuesday in commemorating World AIDS Day, with Governor Mai Mala Buni announcing significant advancements in the state’s HIV/AIDS response and reaffirming his administration’s commitment to healthcare.
The 2025 commemoration, held under the theme “Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response,” took place at the WAWA Hall within the Government House in Damaturu.
The event was organised by the Yobe State Agency for the Control of AIDS (YOSACA) in collaboration with key development partners.
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Governor Buni, represented by the State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Mohammed Lawan Gana, outlined the state’s achievements.
These include a strengthened programme to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV, now integrated into primary healthcare services.
The state is also scaling up early infant diagnosis and working to ensure every child living with HIV receives quality care and treatment.
The North-East Zonal Coordinator for the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Mr Tobias John, in a goodwill message, applauded the state government for the new office complex.
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He appealed for a consistent supply of HIV testing kits to sustain progress.
Dr Damazai, in his welcome address, framed the day as one of remembrance, a celebration of scientific progress, and an urgent call to continue the fight.
He emphasised that this year’s theme underscores the need for a “resilient and sustainable system,” noting YOSACA’s commitment to prioritising healthcare investment and integrating HIV services.
In a demonstration of tangible support, the Governor was commended for drastically improving funding for YOSACA. Dr Damazai, revealed that its monthly running cost has been raised to over N500,000, a substantial increase from the previous N25,000.
The Governor also approved a permanent office complex for the agency.
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The Chairman of the State Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Bukar Adamu, pledged to institutionalise HIV programmes beyond ad-hoc measures.
In his remarks, the state Chairman of the Network of People Living with HIV, Malam Adamu Kaduwa, called for expanded empowerment opportunities, citing how funding cuts have eroded the income base of many in the community.
Major development partners, including AHNi, the Society for Family Health, WHO, UNICEF, and UNFPA, pledged continued technical support to bolster Yobe’s HIV response, highlighting the collaborative effort to overcome disruptions and transform the fight against AIDS in the state.
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