Monrovia- The National AIDS Commission (NAC) has raised alarm over a worrying rise in HIV infections in Liberia.
By Jaheim T. [email protected]
Accordingly, the Commission said, the number of Liberians living with HIV/AIDS has jumped from 34,000 in 2024 to 36,000 in 2025, signaling persistent challenges in prevention, awareness, and treatment access.
Speaking at a press briefing, ahead of commemorating World AIDS Day on December 1, NAC Chairperson Dr. Cecelia Nuta highlighted the stark gender disparity in the epidemic, noting that women remain the hardest hit.
“Women by far constitute the most affected group in Liberia’s HIV burden,” Dr. Nuta said. “We urgently need increased domestic support and more focused programs if we are to reverse this trend and protect vulnerable populations.”
UNAIDS data underscores these concerns. Among adults aged 15–49, HIV prevalence stands at 1.2% for women, double the 0.6% for men. Translating these percentages into numbers, approximately 24,000 of Liberia’s 36,000 HIV-positive citizens are women, making them the clear majority of those affected.
Health experts point to a combination of biological, social, and economic factors as drivers of this disparity. Unequal access to healthcare, gender-based violence, poverty, and limited sexual health education for young girls and women are cited as major contributors.
Dr. Nuta emphasized the urgent need for a gender-sensitive, nationally owned response. “Liberia cannot continue to depend largely on external funding,” she warned. “If we are to meet global HIV targets and protect our citizens, especially women, we must take ownership of our national response.”
The NAC is calling for enhanced government funding, stronger community engagement, and expanded investment in HIV prevention and treatment services. While testing and awareness campaigns have yielded progress, Liberia’s HIV programs remain heavily dependent on international donors—a reliance experts say is unsustainable.
NAC is urging communities, civil society organizations, and policymakers to use the occasion as a moment of reflection and renewed commitment. Planned activities include mobile testing campaigns, community dialogues, media engagements, and youth-focused outreach.
The rising HIV numbers are a stark reminder of Liberia’s ongoing struggle with the disease. With women accounting for nearly two-thirds of all infections, experts caution that failing to address the gender gap could undermine broader national health goals.
“The time for incremental steps is over,” Dr. Nuta said. “We need a bold, inclusive, and sustained effort to protect our citizens and turn the tide against HIV in Liberia.”
