Benue State Government has announced that it has enacted laws aimed at safeguarding the rights of people living with HIV/AIDS in the state.

Governor Hyacinth Alia disclosed this during a road-walk awareness event organized to support individuals affected by HIV/AIDS.

Deputy Governor Barr Sam Ode, representing the Governor at the event, explained that the laws, originally passed in 2019, were designed to prevent discrimination and stigmatization of persons living with HIV/AIDS in the state.

He emphasized the administration’s commitment to providing modern healthcare facilities for the treatment and care of those affected by the virus.

Ode also commended partners, including the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), international donors, and technical collaborators, for their continued support in combating HIV/AIDS in Benue.

He added that addressing the HIV/AIDS pandemic remains a top priority for the administration and called for collaboration from all stakeholders to effectively tackle the issue.

In his remarks, Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Paul Ogwuche, praised development partners for their contributions to strengthening the state’s health sector. He further recognized Governor Alia’s efforts in establishing testing centres to encourage residents to know their HIV status.

Dina Doose Aernyi, Chairman of the Shimaveren Support Group Association at the Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi, commended the government for organizing the road walk, noting that it would help raise public awareness. She urged residents who have not yet tested to take advantage of free HIV testing services, assuring them of strict confidentiality.

Josephine Angev, AHD Champion Lead Facilitator in Benue State, representing AFROCAB–UNITAID Save Lives Faster – THRIVE, said the organization continues its awareness campaign against HIV/AIDS in communities across the state. She highlighted that areas such as Makurdi, Gboko, and Gwer East LGAs have already been covered, with plans to expand outreach to other council areas. Angev also praised the Alia administration for establishing HIV/AIDS testing centres within primary healthcare facilities across the state.