Benue govt holds 2026 AOP of the Local Action Committee on AIDS........ reaffirms commitment to end AIDS, intensifies fight against Lassa Fever

By Johnson Arua

The Benue State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ending HIV and AIDS as a public health threat while intensifying efforts to contain the ongoing Lassa fever outbreak across the state.

The Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Paul Ejeh Ogwuche, made this known during a workshop for the development of the 2026 Annual Operational Plan of the Local Action Committee on AIDS (LACA), attended by coordinators and stakeholders from the 23 Local Government Areas of the state.

Dr. Ogwuche described the 2026 LACA Annual Operational Plan as a critical strategic roadmap designed to guide the state toward achieving the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets, which aim to ensure that 95 percent of people living with HIV know their status, 95 percent of those diagnosed receive sustained treatment, and 95 percent of those on treatment achieve viral suppression.

According to the Commissioner, the success of the HIV response depends largely on strong grassroots participation and effective local coordination. “The fight against HIV and AIDS must be driven strongly at the grassroots level. Our communities must remain at the center of prevention, testing, treatment and support services,” he said.

He commended the Benue State Action Committee on AIDS and development partners for their continuous technical and financial support, noting that their collaboration has significantly strengthened local response mechanisms and improved service delivery in communities across the state.

The Commissioner also used the opportunity to appreciate Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia for his consistent support to the health sector, particularly in responding to the current Lassa fever outbreak.

He said the governor had provided the necessary backing and resources to ensure rapid response, improved case management and enhanced disease surveillance statewide.

Providing an update on the outbreak, Dr. Ogwuche disclosed that as of March 4, 2026, Benue State had recorded 251 suspected cases of Lassa fever, with 46 cases confirmed positive and 11 deaths.

He further revealed that 13 healthcare workers have been infected, including five doctors, one pharmacist, four nurses, two Community Health Extension Workers and one hospital porter.

He added that 29 patients are currently receiving treatment at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital and the Federal Medical Centre in Makurdi.

Dr. Ogwuche explained that Lassa fever is primarily transmitted through contact with food or household items contaminated by infected rodents, as well as through exposure to the bodily fluids of infected persons.

He identified symptoms of the disease to include fever, weakness, headache, sore throat and vomiting, noting that severe cases may involve bleeding.

The commissioner stressed the importance of early reporting to health facilities, strict infection prevention and control practices, proper food storage and improved environmental sanitation to reduce the risk of infection.

While urging residents not to panic, he assured the public that the government is fully committed to containing the outbreak and protecting the health of citizens. He also called on health workers across the state to intensify community sensitization efforts to ensure that accurate health information reaches people at the grassroots.

Dr. Ogwuche expressed confidence that with collective vigilance, strong leadership support and coordinated action among stakeholders, the state would successfully bring the outbreak under control while sustaining progress in the fight against HIV and AIDS.