Key Points

• Rivers, Benue, and Akwa Ibom have the highest HIV cases in Nigeria.

• The number of HIV cases is rising due to better testing and awareness.

• Treatment access continues to improve, but gaps remain in prevention.

A new report by the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) reveals that Rivers, Benue, and Akwa Ibom states have the highest number of HIV cases in Nigeria.

According to the 2024 HIV Spectrum Estimates report, Rivers leads with 208,767 cases, followed by Benue at 202,346 and Akwa Ibom at 161,597.

Nigeria’s total HIV population and treatment access

More than two million Nigerians live with HIV, according to NACA’s report. The country continues to make progress in treatment access, with over 1.7 million people currently receiving Antiretroviral Therapy (ART).

Despite this, the report also highlights a significant gap in preventing mother-to-child transmission (MTCT), with only 31,095 out of 93,186 pregnant women who need ART receiving the required treatment.

Efforts to address rising HIV cases in Nigeria

The increase in HIV cases reflects improved testing and greater awareness, particularly in states like Anambra, which saw a rise in its reported cases.

The commissioner for health in Anambra, Afam Obidike, emphasized the state’s efforts to expand testing, including in pregnant women.

However, more work is needed to combat the stigma surrounding HIV treatment and ensure all individuals can access the care they need.