More than two million people in Nigeria are currently living with HIV, and Rivers, Benue, and Akwa Ibom states have the highest number of cases, according to new data from the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA).
Rivers State leads the list with 208,767 cases, followed closely by Benue with 202,346 and Akwa Ibom with 161,597.
Dr. Temitope Ilori, Director-General of NACA said,“This data shows how important it is to continue our fight against HIV. We must keep working hard to improve prevention, testing, and treatment for everyone, especially in high-burden states.”
The report also shows that Lagos State, Nigeria’s commercial hub, has 108,649 people living with HIV, while Anambra has 100,429, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has 83,333.
Other states with high numbers include Delta (68,170), Imo (67,944), Enugu (61,028), Edo (60,095), and Taraba (58,460). States like Kano, Kaduna, Abia, Plateau, Borno, and Oyo each have over 50,000 people living with the virus.
At the lower end of the list are Yobe (11,956), Zamfara (13,253), Ebonyi (14,151), Sokoto (15,223), Ekiti (18,857), and Kebbi (19,339).
The data also revealed that in the past year, 43,683 people died from HIV-related illnesses, including 28,589 adults and 15,094 children under the age of 14.
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Despite the challenges, Nigeria has made progress in treatment. Over 1.7 million people are now receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART), including nearly 46,000 children. Out of those on treatment, 1.1 million people have successfully reduced their viral load to undetectable levels.
However, the report raised concerns about the low number of pregnant women receiving treatment to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV. Out of 93,186 women identified, only 31,095 received the necessary therapy.
Dr. Ilori assured Nigerians that the government is taking steps to prevent any drug shortages.
“The Federal Executive Council has approved $1.07 billion to support healthcare reforms, including N4.8 billion for HIV treatment. The Senate also allocated N300 billion to the health sector in the 2025 budget,” she said.
She added, “These funds will help us cover the gap created by the pause in U.S. aid and keep our HIV response strong.”
The new figures underline the need for stronger awareness campaigns, more HIV testing, and increased support for people living with the virus across the country.