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…AIDS Commission States Women Suffer the Greatest Impact

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By Stephanie M. Duncan

Monrovia – November 20, 2025: The National AIDS Commission (NAC) has expressed significant worry about a continuous rise in HIV infections throughout Liberia, stating that the number of individuals infected with the virus has increased from 34,000 in 2024 to 36,000 in 2025, with women facing the highest impact.

The concerning figures were revealed by NAC Chairperson, Dr. Cecelia Nuta, during a media update before Liberia’s celebration of World AIDS Day on December 1. Dr. Nuta mentioned that women continue to be significantly impacted, calling the issue a public health problem that demands urgent and focused action.

Women are by far the most impacted group in Liberia’s HIV epidemic,” said Dr. Nuta. “We require immediate domestic backing and more targeted initiatives if we are to change this pattern and safeguard at-risk communities.

As per UNAIDS data, the rate of HIV infection among adults between 15 and 49 years old is 1.2 percent for women and 0.6 percent for men. Using these numbers, around 24,000 out of the 36,000 Liberians with HIV are women, accounting for almost two-thirds of those affected.

Medical professionals link the gender gap to a mix of biological susceptibility and social-economic issues, such as poverty, restricted access to medical care, violence based on gender, and insufficient education on sexual and reproductive health, especially for young girls and women.

Dr. Nuta also cautioned that Liberia’s HIV program continues to rely significantly on foreign financial support, a condition she termed unviable.

The head of the NAC additionally urged for greater governmental dedication, higher local funding, and broader community-focused initiatives to improve prevention, testing, and treatment measures.

Liberia should not keep relying heavily on outside financial support,” she warned. “To achieve global HIV goals and protect our people, particularly women, we need to assume responsibility for our country’s response.

As part of the upcoming World AIDS Day events, the NAC intends to implement enhanced awareness efforts, such as mobile testing, community discussions, media campaigns, and programs targeting young people to encourage early testing and decrease stigma.

The Commission hopes that the most recent data will act as a national alert, motivating decision-makers, civil society, and communities to enhance the battle against HIV/AIDS by implementing long-term, gender-aware approaches.

As women make up almost two-thirds of those infected, experts caution that not tackling the rising disparity could hinder Liberia’s overall public health and development objectives. Consequently, the NAC has urged for renewed solidarity, greater funding, and strong measures to control the HIV outbreak and safeguard the most at-risk groups.

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Copyright 2025 The New Republic Liberia. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media ().

Tagged: Liberia, HIV-Aids and STDs, West Africa, Health and Medicine

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