The 2024 estimates also shed light on HIV-related fatalities, revealing that 43,683 Nigerians died from complications linked to the virus over the past year.
Abuja, Nigeria – Rivers, Benue, and Akwa Ibom States have emerged as the top three states with the highest number of people living with HIV in Nigeria, according to the 2024 HIV Spectrum Estimates released by the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA).
The data places Rivers State at the forefront with 208,767 reported cases, followed closely by Benue with 202,346, and Akwa Ibom with 161,597.
Lagos State, Nigeria’s economic hub, ranked fourth with 108,649 recorded cases, while Anambra and the Federal Capital Territory followed with 100,429 and 83,333 cases respectively. These figures contribute to the national total of over two million Nigerians currently living with HIV, signaling a need for sustained nationwide efforts in prevention, testing, and treatment.
Among other high-burden states are Delta (68,170), Imo (67,944), Enugu (61,028), Edo (60,095), and Taraba (58,460). States in the mid-tier prevalence group include Abia (54,655), Kaduna (54,458), Kano (53,972), Plateau (51,736), Borno (50,433), and Oyo (50,063). Cross River (43,452), Ogun (43,348), and Nasarawa (44,993) also fall within this category.
The report also recorded moderate prevalence in Adamawa with 40,059 cases, and Gombe (31,825), Jigawa (31,409), Osun (30,714), and Niger (29,756) not far behind. States with comparatively lower figures include Bauchi (28,698), Kogi (28,421), Ondo (27,150), Katsina (26,788), and Bayelsa (25,339).
At the lower end of the spectrum are Kwara (20,259), Kebbi (19,339), Ekiti (18,857), Sokoto (15,223), Ebonyi (14,151), Zamfara (13,253), and Yobe (11,956) — which recorded the lowest HIV prevalence in the country.
The 2024 estimates also shed light on HIV-related fatalities, revealing that 43,683 Nigerians died from complications linked to the virus over the past year. Adult deaths accounted for 28,589, including 13,650 males and 14,939 females, while 15,094 children aged 0–14 also lost their lives.
According to the data, 1,753,425 people living with HIV (PLHIV) now know their status. This comprises 1,693,457 adults — 579,209 males and 1,114,401 females — and 54,983 children. Treatment coverage has improved significantly, with 1,735,808 individuals currently on antiretroviral therapy (ART), including 1,690,057 adults and 45,751 children.
Of those on treatment, 1,160,256 underwent viral load testing, and 1,112,339 were found to have achieved viral suppression. This group includes 1,083,177 adults — 363,531 males and 719,645 females — and 29,162 children, indicating progress in the country’s ART effectiveness.
However, the report highlighted a major gap in the prevention of mother-to-child transmission. Of the 93,186 pregnant women identified as needing ART, only 31,095 received the necessary treatment — signaling the need for urgent improvements in this critical area.
Addressing the issue, the Director-General of NACA, Dr. Temitope Ilori, reassured the public that the Federal Government is implementing measures to avoid potential shortages of HIV medications. She noted that the Federal Executive Council had approved $1.07 billion to fund healthcare reforms under the Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity programme, with N4.8 billion specifically allocated to HIV treatment.
In addition, Dr. Ilori mentioned that the National Assembly had earmarked N300 billion for the health sector in the 2025 budget. These allocations, she said, aim to cushion the effects of the recent pause in U.S. aid and strengthen the sustainability of Nigeria’s HIV response moving forward.
Join our Channel...