Rivers Tops HIV Chart: Over 2 Million Nigerians Living with the Virus

 

Rivers State has emerged as the epicenter of Nigeria’s HIV burden, with 208,767 people currently living with the virus, according to fresh estimates released by the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA). Following closely behind are Benue (202,346) and Akwa Ibom (161,597), painting a stark picture of the continuing public health challenge across the country.

Overall, more than two million Nigerians are living with HIV an urgent reminder of the need for sustained prevention efforts, accessible testing, and uninterrupted treatment.

Nigeria’s most populous urban hub, Lagos State, ranks fourth with 108,649 cases, while Anambra (100,429) and the Federal Capital Territory (83,333) follow, rounding out the states with the highest concentrations.

In addition to the top six, states like Delta (68,170), Imo (67,944), and Enugu (61,028) continue to report high prevalence. Even northern and middle-belt states such as Taraba (58,460) and Plateau (51,736) are not left out, confirming that the epidemic cuts across all zones.

At the other end of the spectrum, Yobe (11,956), Zamfara (13,253), and Ebonyi (14,151) report lower—but still significant—numbers of people living with the virus.

In the past year, 43,683 Nigerians have lost their lives to HIV-related complications, including 15,094 children under the age of 14. Yet there are strong indicators of progress: 1.75 million people now know their HIV status. 1.73 million are receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART). Over 1.1 million have achieved viral suppression, meaning the virus is undetectable and untransmittable.

Despite these milestones, significant gaps remain especially among pregnant women. While over 93,000 expectant mothers needed ART, just one-third received it, risking the continuation of mother-to-child transmission.

In a bid to fortify Nigeria’s HIV response, Dr. Temitope Ilori, Director-General of NACA, announced that the Federal Executive Council has approved $1.07 billion for broader health reforms under the Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity programme, with ₦4.8 billion specifically earmarked for HIV treatment.

In addition, the National Assembly has allocated ₦300 billion to the health sector in the 2025 budget an attempt to close long-standing funding gaps and ensure the sustainability of the HIV response.

While the numbers are sobering, they also reflect a system that is slowly but surely expanding access and improving outcomes. With increased funding, strategic interventions, and a renewed focus on prevention, Nigeria may yet turn the tide against HIV.

But the message is clear: the work is far from done.