Rivers Overtakes Benue As The HIV Capital Of Nigeria

Rivers State tops the nation with 208,767 individuals living with HIV, closely trailed by Benue State (202,346) and Akwa Ibom (161,597), as per the latest spectrum estimates from the National Agency for the Control of AIDS.

Nationwide, over two million people are currently living with HIV, emphasizing the pressing need for ongoing prevention, extensive testing, and consistent access to treatment.

Lagos, the country’s economic powerhouse, ranks fourth with 108,649 documented cases, while Anambra records 100,429 and the Federal Capital Territory 83,333—one of the highest figures in the north-central region. Other states with elevated prevalence include Delta (68,170), Imo (67,944), Enugu (61,028), Edo (60,095), and Taraba (58,460).

Moderate prevalence is observed in Abia (54,655), Kaduna (54,458), Kano (53,972), Plateau (51,736), Borno (50,433), and Oyo (50,063). 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).

In the past year, approximately 43,683 Nigerians succumbed to HIV-related causes—28,589 adults (13,650 males and 14,939 females) and 15,094 children aged 0–14. Despite these devastating losses, 1,753,425 people living with HIV are now aware of their status, including 1,693,457 adults (579,209 males and 1,114,401 females) and 54,983 children.

Antiretroviral therapy coverage has grown substantially: 1,735,808 individuals are currently receiving treatment—1,690,057 adults (577,632 males and 1,112,425 females) and 45,751 children. Of those treated, 1,160,256 were tested for viral suppression, with 1,112,339 achieving a suppressed viral load, showcasing the success of expanded efforts.

Nevertheless, significant gaps persist in preventing mother-to-child transmission. Although 93,186 pregnant women were identified as requiring ART, only 31,095 received it—underscoring a deficiency in reaching this critical population.

Dr. Temitope Ilori, Director-General of NACA, reassured Nigerians that the Federal Government has allocated resources to prevent any drug shortages.

“The Federal Executive Council approved $1.07 billion for healthcare reform under the Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity programme, alongside ₦4.8 billion for HIV treatment. The National Assembly also allocated ₦300 billion to the health sector in the 2025 budget,” she said. These initiatives, she noted, are designed to address funding shortfalls and ensure the longevity of Nigeria’s HIV response.

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli