HIV Cases Decline In Nigeria, But Lagos, Benue Lead New Infections – Report

The National Data Repository (NDR) on Wednesday released updated figures showing a sharp decline in HIV cases across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

The report also highlights trends over the last decade and the demographics of newly identified cases.

Lagos and Benue have emerged as the states with the highest number of new infections, driven by a worrying rise in cases among young women.

The NDR stated, “95% of people living with HIV now know their status,” marking a major achievement in national HIV awareness efforts.

It added, “95% are receiving treatment, with 1,657,173 patients actively on treatment across 1,997 health facilities,” indicating broad treatment access.

Among those on treatment, “95% are virally suppressed,” demonstrating strong adherence and effectiveness of HIV programmes nationwide.

The 10-year trend shows new HIV cases rising from 228,014 in 2016 to a peak of 464,355 in 2020, before falling to 21,389 in 2026, a 90.8% decrease from 2025’s 111,513.

Other annual figures include 2017 – 237,756; 2018 – 215,231; 2019 – 27,181; 2021 – 451,402; 2022 – 330,690; 2023 – 238,748; 2024 – 143,666.

Recent three-month data by age and sex show young adults are the most affected, with females recording higher infections than males in nearly all age groups. Children aged 5–9 recorded the lowest new cases.

State-level figures show Lagos leading with 2,342 new cases, followed by Benue 1,956, Rivers 1,185, Akwa Ibom 1,155, and Anambra 1,023. Sokoto, Yobe, and Zamfara recorded the fewest new infections.

Regional totals indicate the South West with 4,628 cases, South-South 3,942, South East 2,691, North East 2,863, North West 2,132, and the Federal Capital Territory with 679.

Treatment coverage varies widely, with Benue (191,225), Akwa Ibom (142,216), and Lagos (137,006) recording the highest numbers, while Sokoto (9,068) and Ekiti (12,271) recorded the lowest. The South South leads regionally, followed by the South West, and the North West has the lowest coverage.

The NDR concludes that while Nigeria is progressing toward the 95-95-95 targets, the higher infection rates among females and specific states highlight the need for targeted, age- and region-specific interventions.