The Akwa Ibom State Government has admitted shortcomings in its HIV/AIDS response, even as Governor Umo Eno has reportedly approved the release of the 2025 counterpart funding for key health sector programmes in the state.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr Ekem John, made the disclosure on Thursday while briefing journalists at the Ministry of Health in Uyo. He acknowledged that despite progress in data reporting, HIV remains one of the most challenging public health issues confronting the state.

According to the commissioner, about 168,000 persons living with HIV/AIDS have so far been identified in Akwa Ibom, noting that the figure reflects gaps in testing and case detection, particularly among residents who are unaware of their status.

“For HIV/AIDS, this is one area where we have not done too well, While reporting has improved, many people who are HIV-positive still do not know their status, and this remains a major concern.” He said

He explained that the current figure represents a reduction from over 200,000 previously recorded cases, attributing the decline largely to data audits that eliminated multiple registrations by individuals seeking access to antiretroviral drugs in different locations.

Dr John added that about 99 percent of those identified as living with HIV in the state are now aware of their status, stressing that the challenge is to locate and test those yet to be captured in the system.

Despite the HIV challenges, the commissioner disclosed that Governor Umo Eno has approved and directed the release of the 2025 counterpart funding for major health interventions, with disbursement expected before the end of January 2026.

He said the funding would support programmes in Health Insurance, Primary Healthcare, Immunisation, Family Planning and Nutrition, aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery across the state.