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The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has unveiled its 2024 HIV spectrum estimates, painting a sobering picture of the current state of HIV in Nigeria.
According to the report, Rivers State now leads the country in the number of people living with HIV (PLHIV), with a staggering 208,767 cases.
Benue State follows closely with 202,346 cases, while Akwa Ibom is next with 161,597, marking these three as the states hardest hit by the epidemic.
Across the country, over 2 million Nigerians are living with HIV—a number that highlights the critical need for sustained investment in HIV prevention, testing, and treatment services.
Lagos, Nigeria’s bustling commercial hub, ranks fourth with 108,649 cases. It’s followed by Anambra (100,429) and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), which has 83,333 cases and holds the highest number in the North-Central region.
Other states with significant numbers include:
Delta: 68,170
Imo: 67,944
Enugu: 61,028
Edo: 60,095
Taraba: 58,460
Abia: 54,655
Kaduna: 54,458
Kano: 53,972
Plateau: 51,736
Borno: 50,433
Oyo: 50,063
Cross River, Ogun, and Nasarawa also report sizable figures, while states like Bayelsa (25,339), Ekiti (18,857), Zamfara (13,253), and Yobe (11,956) have comparatively lower numbers.
In the past year alone, 43,683 Nigerians died due to HIV-related complications—28,589 adults and 15,094 children under the age of 15.
Currently, 1,753,425 people living with HIV know their status, and 1,735,808 of them are receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART), including more than 45,000 children. Of those on treatment, 1.1 million have achieved viral suppression, which is a strong indicator of treatment success.
However, there’s still a significant gap in maternal care. Out of 93,186 pregnant women identified as needing ART to prevent mother-to-child transmission, only 31,095 have received it.
Dr. Temitope Ilori, NACA’s Director-General, reiterated the government’s commitment to closing these gaps and avoiding any disruptions in care. She noted that the Federal Executive Council has approved $1.07 billion for healthcare reforms under the Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity Programme.
Additionally, N4.8 billion has been earmarked specifically for HIV treatment, with another N300 billion allocated to health in the 2025 national budget.
“These resources are being mobilised to ensure no disruption in care and continued progress in Nigeria’s HIV response,” said Ilori.
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