“36,000 people are living with HIV in Liberia, representing a prevalence of 0.9%. The 2013 Liberia Demographic and Health Survey (LDHS) reported a prevalence of 2.1%. Of this number, women account for 21,000. Testing coverage has improved significantly. Out of the 36,000 persons estimated to be living with HIV in Liberia, 31,000 persons have been tested and know their HIV status. Out of the 31,000 persons tested, 30,798 are on treatment. To date, 95% of those on treatment are virally suppressed,” the Chairperson of the National AIDS Commission (NAC) Dr. Cecelia J. Nuta revealed.
The disclosure comes as Liberia begins activities marking World AIDS Day 2025, a moment set aside each year to reflect on progress, confront ongoing challenges, and renew commitment to ending HIV and AIDS as a public health threat.
Every year on December 1, Liberia joins the global community to commemorate World AIDS Day.
According to Dr. Nuta, the observance strengthens solidarity with persons living with HIV (PLHIV), honors those lost to AIDS-related illnesses, and renews advocacy for a well-sustained national HIV response.
This year’s commemoration is being held under the global theme, “Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response,” and the national theme, “Mobilizing Domestic Support, Transforming the AIDS Response.”
Addressing the Press on Thursday, November 20, 2025, NAC Chairperson provided an update on the national HIV response based on UNAIDS Spectrum 2025 estimates.
She revealed that Liberia currently has 36,000 people living with HIV, with women accounting for 21,000.
Testing coverage has improved, with 31,000 people aware of their HIV status. Of those, 30,798 are receiving treatment, and 95% of them are virally suppressed.
Dr. Nuta, among other things noted that as the Commission celebrated these gains, it cautioned that sustaining progress requires national responsibility and consistent support.
NAC recalled how, a few months ago, Liberia was affected when the U.S. government announced a temporary freeze on all foreign aid, disrupting critical HIV services.
While the disruptions posed significant challenges, NAC said they also created an opportunity for renewed national commitment. The Commission described the moment as a “critical call to action” for increased domestic resource mobilization.
NAC expressed gratitude to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National AIDS Commission, for his leadership during the period of uncertainty.
The Ministry of Health, the National AIDS and STIs Control Program, and health workers were also commended for ensuring continued access to HIV care and treatment services.
Reflecting on the national theme, NAC reminded Liberians that although external support has played a transformative role, it was never intended to replace national responsibility.
The temporary aid freeze, the Commission noted, revealed how vulnerable essential health services become when the country relies heavily on outside funding.
The NAC therefore called on the Government of Liberia to increase domestic funding through budgetary appropriation to the national HIV response.
A stronger national financial commitment, the Commission said, will protect hard-earned gains, ensure continuity of lifesaving services, and strengthen Liberia’s capacity to reach epidemic control. With adequate domestic resources, Liberia will be better positioned to deliver sustained, high-impact interventions that protect the health and productivity of its people.
NAC further emphasized that transforming and sustaining the AIDS response will require stronger collaboration among government ministries and agencies, civil society, development partners, and the United Nations.
The Commission called on all partners to support a sustainable HIV response that delivers meaningful results for the Liberian population.
World AIDS Day 2025 Activities
As part of the official observance, the Commission announced the following activities:
Mass Media Campaign (Nov. 24 – Dec. 1, 2025):
A broad media awareness campaign across Montserrado, Grand Bassa, Margibi, Bomi, Bong, and Nimba counties.
Youth Dialogue on HIV Information:
A dialogue with young people—especially members of key and vulnerable populations—to address common misconceptions and equip youth with knowledge to champion HIV awareness in their communities.
Community Outreach and Engagement:
Outreach initiatives in schools, markets, churches, mosques, beaches, and other public places to increase demand for HIV services nationwide.
Official World AIDS Day Program (Dec. 1):
A grand parade through central Monrovia beginning at 8 a.m., leading to the Capitol Grounds. President Joseph Nyema Boakai is expected to deliver the keynote address.
Voluntary HIV testing, condom distribution, and educational materials will also be available.
In closing, NAC expressed profound appreciation to the Government of Liberia, development partners, civil society organizations, and particularly the Network of Persons Living with HIV for their continued collaboration. As global efforts intensify toward ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, the Commission reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening coordination, improving accountability, and mobilizing domestic support to safeguard the health and well-being of all Liberians.
The Chairperson of the National AIDS Commission then officially launched the activities for World AIDS Day 2025.
