Benue State is still an hotspot for HIV and Tuberculosis, TB, in Nigeria with alarming co-infection rates and systemic healthcare challenges threatening vulnerable populations.
Amid ongoing interventions, gender disparities, stigma, and limited access to care continue to obstruct progress, prompting fresh advocacy for urgent reforms.
At a virtual press briefing, the Media Health and Rights, MHR, Initiative of Nigeria and Lawyers Alert decried the state’s struggle with a 4.5 percent HIV prevalence rate and TB co-infection exceeding 25 percent.
President of Lawyers Alert, Rommy Mom described the situation as dire, revealing that 10 percent of Nigeria’s TB cases originate from Benue. He further stressed that malaria remains a persistent threat, particularly for pregnant women and children under five.
A comprehensive situational analysis under the Gender Equality Fund, GEF, project exposed deep-seated gender-related barriers to accessing healthcare.
The report highlighted cultural norms, economic constraints, and policy gaps that disproportionately affect women’s ability to seek timely treatment. Mom emphasised that stigma and discrimination discourage many from seeking early diagnosis and care, worsening health outcomes.
Mrs. Alu Azege, Executive Director of MHR Initiative, stated that her organisation is committed to amplifying voices for social change by leveraging media platforms to challenge harmful norms and promote gender equality.
She reiterated the need for collaborative efforts between civil society groups, government agencies, and international partners to drive policy reforms and community-driven advocacy.
The rights groups called on the Benue State Government and stakeholders to prioritise gender-transformative approaches in healthcare delivery. They stressed that addressing systemic inequalities and cultural barriers is crucial to building a more resilient and inclusive healthcare system—one where no one is left behind.
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