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Claim: A Facebook influencer in Liberia, who goes by the name Bassa Monk, is alleging that “24,000 females between the ages of 15-49 are living with HIV/AIDS in Liberia.”
Verdict: Misleading, the National AIDS Commission of Liberia puts the number at 21,000.
Full Text
The social media space, particularly Facebook in Liberia, went buzzing following the pronouncement of 36,000 Liberians living with HIV/AIDS in Liberia by the National AIDS Commission of Liberia on Thursday, November 20, 2026. This report garnered significant media attention, as evident in the following links: here, here, and here.
Here are posts from some Facebook users.
In the wake of the discussion, a social media influencer in Liberia who goes by the name Bassa Monk is claiming that 24,000 females between the ages of 15-49 are living with HIV/AIDS in the country.
Monk took to his official Facebook page, posting, “24,000 females, ages 15-49, living with HIV/AIDS. To the roasted fish, pizza, and quesadillas gang, continue.”
The post generated over 40 comments, more than 70 emojis, and just 1 share.
Below is a screenshot of some of the comments made under the post
Given the potential to mislead, DUBAWA decided to investigate the claim.
Verification
To verify the claim, the researcher first contacted the claimant, Bassa Monk, via messenger, but received no response after sending him a couple of messages.
However, the researcher obtained a copy of the commission’s report release, and according to the report, 36,000 people are living with HIV in Liberia, representing a prevalence of 0.9%.
According to the chairperson of the National AIDS Commission (NAC), Dr Cecelia Nuta, “The 2013 Liberia Demographic and Health Survey (LDHS) reported a prevalence of 2.1%. Of this number, women account for 21,000. Testing coverage has improved significantly. Out of the 36,000 persons estimated to be living with HIV in Liberia, 31,000 persons have been tested and know their HIV status. Out of the 31,000 persons tested, 30,798 are on treatment. To date, 95% of those on treatment are virally suppressed.”
Screenshot of the commission’s press statement.
Conclusion
Based on the official statement issued by the AIDS commission of Liberia, the claim that 24,000 females between the ages of 15-49 are living with HIV/AIDS in Liberia is misleading.
