20/11/2025
“36,000 Liberians Now Living With HIV — Women Remain Most Affected, Says AIDS Commission”
Liberia’s National AIDS Commission (NAC) has raised fresh concerns ahead of World AIDS Day, revealing that an estimated “36,000 Liberians are currently living with HIV”, This marks an increase from “34,000 last year”, according to the latest UNAIDS country estimates.
While the numbers may seem small compared to other countries, the rising trend is worrying — and the Commission says “women continue to be hit the hardest”,
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“Women Bear the Heaviest Burden”
The NAC Chairperson, Dr. Cecelia Nuta, stressed that “women remain the most affected group” in Liberia’s HIV landscape.
This pattern reflects wider trends across West Africa, where social and economic inequalities make women more vulnerable to infection.
A 2024 study shows that “only 57% of Liberian women aged 15–49 have ever been tested for HIV”!— meaning many women may be living with HIV unknowingly. Early diagnosis is the key to accessing lifesaving treatment, yet many still face barriers.
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What the Latest Data Shows
Recent public health findings reveal that Liberia is making progress, but still has a long way to go:
“36,000 people living with HIV (PLHIV)”
“74%” of people living with HIV know their status
“72%” of those who know their status are on treatment (ART)
These numbers demonstrate improvement, but Liberia remains below the global “95-95-95 goals”’(95% diagnosed, 95% on treatment, 95% virally suppressed).
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NAC Calls for Stronger Support
With “World AIDS Day approaching on December 1”, the NAC is urging:
“Increased “domestic funding” for HIV programs
“Stronger “prevention campaigns”
“Expanded “testing”, especially for women and youth
Improved access to “ART treatment in all counties
Dr. Nuta emphasized that Liberia cannot rely solely on international partners. Sustaining HIV programs requires Liberia’s own support and leadership.
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Why This Matters:
HIV is not just a medical issue — it’s a “public health, economic, and social equity issue”.
Women and young girls often face the highest risk due to:
Limited access to quality health services
Gender-based violence
Economic dependence
Stigma and lack of information
As the world moves toward ending AIDS by 2030, Liberia must strengthen its national response to protect vulnerable populations.
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Data Source:
“UNAIDS Country Profile — Liberia” (Estimate range: “30,000–44,000”
people living with HIV)
2024 public health study on HIV testing and treatment coverage in Liberia.