Dr. Cecelia J. Nuta, Chairperson of NAC
MONROVIA; The National AIDS Commission(NAC) has outlined activities marking the commemoration of World AIDS Day for the year 2025.According to the Chairperson of NAC Dr. Cecelia J. Nuta, from November 24 to December 1, 2025, there will be a series of awareness events on NIV and AIDS targeting the general public through various media outlets. Dr. Nuta made the disclosure on Thursday at a Press Conference in Monrovia. She pointed out that these activities will take place simultaneously across Montserrado, Grand Bassa, Margibi, Bomi, Bong, and Nimba Counties. She stressed that at the same time, a dialogue for young people specifically members of key and vulnerable populations will be held to discuss common HIV misconceptions that hinder youth from accessing information and to equip them with the requisite knowledge and tools to become champions for HIV/ AIDS awareness in their communities. The Commission Chairperson also indicated that community outreach and engagements will be carried out to create awareness in schools, markets, churches, mosques, on beaches, and other public places to create demand for HIV services across Liberia. Dr. Nuta maintained that the official World AIDS Day program which is slated for December 1, 2025, and will climax with a grand parade through the principal streets of Monrovia to the Capitol grounds for the formal program where President Joseph Boakai is expected to deliver the keynote address. She asserted that as customary on the sidelines of the event, there will also be voluntary testing and distribution of condoms as well as HIV awareness materials as a means of keeping the public informed.” As we celebrate these milestones, let us be reminded that sustaining the gains we have made is only possible when we take full responsibility for our health” She added. She noted that a few months ago, we were taken by surprise when the United States Government announced a temporary freeze on all foreign aid which has resulted in the disruption of critical HIV services. Dr.Nuta explained that while these disruptions were significant, they also presented an opportunity for renewed commitment at the national level which the Commission considered a critical call to action for increased domestic resource mobilization.” We are deeply grateful to His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai, President of the Republic of Liberia and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National AIDS Commission for his strong leadership, political will and consistent commitment during this challenging period” She said. She assured that a stronger national financial commitment will protect the gains we have already secured, ensure continuity of lifesaving services, and reinforce our ability to reach epidemic control, nothing that with adequate domestic reaources, the national HIV response will be better positioned to deliver sustained. Dr.Nuta stated that according to the UNAIDS Spectrum 2025 estimates, there are 36,000 people living with HIV in Liberia, representing a prevalence of 0.9 percent. The Commission Chairperson revealed that the 2013 Liberia Demographic and Health Survey(LDHS) reported a prevalence of 2.1 percent and 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, while 31,000 persons have been tested and know their HIV status.She narrated that out of the 31,000 persons treated, 39,798 are on treatment, noting that to date 95 percent of those on treatment are virally suppressed.
