Published: December 1, 2025
CAPITOL HILL, Monrovia — Liberia observed World AIDS Day 2025 with a renewed call for domestic funding, stronger community-led efforts, and a national effort to eliminate stigma, as leaders gathered on the Capitol Building grounds to highlight the country’s significant progress and the remaining challenges faced by more than 36,000 Liberians living with HIV.
Under the global theme “Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response” and the national theme “Mobilizing Domestic Support, Transforming the AIDS Response,” government officials, global partners, lawmakers and civil-society advocates pushed for a more sustainable, locally driven response to the epidemic.
“HIV Is Not a Death Sentence”
National AIDS Commission Chairperson Dr. Cecelia Nuta urged Liberians to interpret the latest HIV statistics with “clarity and responsibility,” emphasizing that the estimate of 36,000 people living with HIV, up from 34,000 in 2024, reflects improved survival, not a surge in new infections.
“In many ways, this reflects progress,” Dr. Nuta said. “More people are alive today because treatment is working. Fewer people are dying because our health system is improving. More people know their status because testing has expanded.”
She stressed that individuals who are virally suppressed cannot transmit the virus to partners or children, a development she said is “quietly transforming communities.”
“When people stay alive, the numbers may appear higher,” she added. “But behind those numbers is hope. HIV is no longer a death sentence.”
Dr. Nuta cautioned against misinformation and called for national conversations grounded in compassion rather than fear.
Donor Funding Is Shrinking
Speaking on behalf of the UN Resident Coordinator, UN Representative Aliou Dia commended Liberia for its notable achievements: new infections decreased by 69% since 2010, treatment coverage exceeds 98% among those aware of their status, and AIDS-related deaths have fallen by 74%.
“These gains are a result of leadership, community resilience and strong partnerships,” Dia said.
But he warned that global funding cuts, stigma, and unequal access to services still threaten long-term progress.
“The future of the HIV response cannot depend solely on external funding,” he said. “Liberia must take ownership. Sustainability is essential.”
Dia also called on young people to drive the final push toward an AIDS-free generation. “Young people, you are the generation that will finish this fight,” he said.
Government Reaffirms Commitment
Health Minister Dr. Louise Kpoto, speaking on behalf of Vice President Jeremiah Koung, highlighted Liberia’s significant progress over the past decade. In 2016, only 20% of people living with HIV knew their status; just 11% were on treatment. None had achieved viral suppression.
As of 2024, 86% are aware of their status, 81% are on treatment, and 95% of those on treatment have achieved viral suppression.
“These gains are not accidents,” Koung’s statement said. “They are results of deliberate policies, community-based action and the tireless work of health workers and partners.”
The Vice President launched Liberia’s National HIV, Syphilis, and Hepatitis B Triple Testing Initiative, a program that has already prevented over 1,300 HIV-related newborn infections.
He reaffirmed three priorities: expanding domestic financing, strengthening community-led interventions, and integrating HIV services more thoroughly into the national health system.
“Ending AIDS is achievable,” he said. “It is a national promise.”
Finance Minister Ngafuan: “We Must Do More”
Finance Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan praised Liberia’s progress but warned of fiscal pressures, including a ballooning national debt that now competes with health and education budgets.
“Debt service alone is consuming nearly $230 million,” he said. “But despite these challenges, we remain committed to supporting the HIV response. We must do more.”
Ngafuan raised urgent concerns about hepatitis B, calling it “one of the biggest killers in Liberia today” and pledging stronger government action.
“Our people are dying silently,” he said. “We must ramp up awareness, screening and treatment.”
As the commemoration ended, leaders emphasized that Liberia’s progress, though remarkable, requires sustained commitment.
“Liberia cannot end AIDS without embracing people living with HIV,” Dr. Nuta said. “Together, we can build a future where every Liberian is valued, supported and empowered.”
Discussion about this post