By Mu’awuya Bala Idris, Katsina
Katsina State has recorded a significant reduction in the prevalence of HIV, particularly among pregnant women and children, according to the Katsina State Agency for the Control of AIDS (SACA).
The Executive Secretary of the agency, Dr. Nuhu Bala Kankia, disclosed this during a one-day dissemination meeting on the Katsina State HIV Strategic Plan (SSP) 2025–2027 held in Katsina.
Dr. Kankia said data available to the agency indicate that the state’s efforts to combat HIV have continued to yield positive results.
“Based on the figures available to us, we have recorded remarkable success in the fight against HIV. The prevalence, especially among pregnant women and children, is gradually declining,” he said.
He attributed the achievement to the strong moral and financial support provided by the Katsina State Government under the leadership of Governor Dikko Umar Radda, as well as the contributions of donor agencies and development partners.
The SACA boss also commended stakeholders for their continued support in HIV prevention, treatment, and care, describing the dissemination of the strategic plan as a vital step toward sustaining the gains already achieved and strengthening future interventions.
Earlier, the Director-General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Dr. Temitope Ilori, commended the Katsina State Government and stakeholders for their collective efforts in reducing the burden of HIV in the state.
Represented by the agency’s Principal Accountant, Onuh Daniel, Dr. Ilori said the State Strategic Plan provides a critical framework for strengthening coordination, improving the effectiveness of HIV interventions, and ensuring the sustainability of the state’s HIV response.
He noted that the plan serves as a roadmap for expanding access to HIV prevention, treatment, care, and support services while addressing emerging challenges to ensure that no one is left behind.
“The effective implementation of this strategic plan will be instrumental in improving health outcomes and sustaining the gains already recorded in the fight against HIV,” he said.
Dr. Ilori reaffirmed NACA’s commitment to working closely with the Katsina State Government and development partners by providing technical leadership, coordination, and strategic support to ensure the successful implementation of the Strategic Plan.
The meeting was attended by officials from SACA, NACA, the Katsina State Ministry of Health, the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, development partners, and representatives of the Global Fund.
The State Strategic Plan (2025–2027) was formally presented during the event by officials of SACA, NACA, and the Global Fund.
