The National AIDS Commission (NAC) in Liberia has released a staggering report on people living with HIV in Liberia ahead of World AIDS Day, which will be celebrated on December 2 this year.
The report revealed that out of an estimated 34,000 people living with HIV in Liberia, 80% are aware of their HIV status, and 98% of those are receiving treatment. Notably, 98% of those on treatment have achieved viral suppression.
The survey, conducted among individuals aged 18 to 49, also highlighted that more women are aware of their HIV status compared to men, with 80% of women knowing their status compared to 68-70% of men. Furthermore, an estimated 3,000 children in Liberia are living with HIV and are also on treatment.
Despite these gains, the NAC raised concerns over the insufficient budget allocation for HIV programs, calling for increased domestic funding to ensure the country’s continued progress.
The Chairperson of the National AIDS Commission, Dr. Cecelia Nuta, emphasized the need to raise awareness about the ongoing presence of HIV in Liberia. “HIV is real, and it’s still present in Liberia. It’s everyone’s business,” she said. She urged all Liberians to join the fight against HIV, stressing that the epidemic equally impacts both those living with HIV and those without.
Dr. Nuta made these revelations on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, in a press briefing during the launch of activities for the 2024 World AIDS Day commemoration, setting the stage for nationwide efforts in the fight against HIV and AIDS.
As Liberia prepares for the World AIDS Day commemoration, the NAC reaffirmed its commitment to ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. The upcoming event will bring together stakeholders to reflect on progress, renew commitments, and underscore the importance of solidarity in the fight against HIV.
The event, attended by representatives from UNAIDS, PEPFAR, and other partners, highlighted Liberia’s commitment to ending the HIV epidemic while addressing pressing challenges.
With “Collective Action: Sustain and Accelerate HIV Progress” as the global theme for this year’s World AIDS Day, Liberia’s national theme is “One Goal, One Fight: Ending AIDS Together in Liberia.” The themes emphasize the need for a unified approach to combating HIV/AIDS, tackling issues such as stigma, discrimination, and inadequate domestic funding.
Dr. Nuta stressed Liberia’s progress in the HIV response but acknowledged the continuing challenges. “The fight against HIV remains a national priority that requires collective efforts, partnerships, and collaboration,” she said.
Dr. Nuta called for stronger political will and the active involvement of all sectors, including government, policymakers, and the private sector, to sustain Liberia’s achievements.
A key focus of the press conference was Liberia’s efforts to secure more sustainable funding for HIV programs. Dr. Nuta announced that with support from UNAIDS, the country is developing a National HIV Sustainability Roadmap to ensure the continuation of HIV response efforts beyond 2030, notably as donor support may decrease. “This roadmap represents our commitment to transform the HIV response into a more sustainable model,” she explained.
The event also introduced a series of activities leading to the World AIDS Day event on December 2, 2024, at Invincible Park in Sinkor. These include mass media campaigns, community outreach to reduce stigma, and discussions with local leaders on creating a national Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) program.
