LAGOS, Nigeria(VOICE OF NAIJA)- Nigeria has recorded significant progress in HIV control, with new data highlighting both major gains in treatment coverage and persistent risks among specific populations, with young women emerging as the most vulnerable group in recent transmission trends.
The latest update released by the National Data Repository provides a comprehensive snapshot of detection, treatment access, and viral suppression across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
According to the report that reported a sharp drop in HIV infections nationwide, awareness levels have reached a critical milestone.
“95% of people living with HIV now know their status,” reflecting expanded testing efforts nationwide. Among those diagnosed, “95% are receiving treatment, with 1,657,173 patients actively on treatment across 1,997 health facilities.”
Equally notable, treatment outcomes remain strong, with 95 percent virally suppressed, a benchmark that signals effective adherence and improved quality of care.
However, despite these gains, emerging patterns point to shifting exposure. Data from the past three months shows that young adults, particularly women account for a disproportionate share of new infections. Females recorded higher infection rates than males across nearly all age groups, with the highest numbers seen among those aged 20 to 34.
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Meanwhile, geographical gaps remain evident. Lagos State (2,342) and Benue State (1,956) lead as the epicentres of new infections, followed by Rivers State (1,185), Akwa Ibom State (1,155), and Anambra State (1,023). In contrast, lower case numbers were reported in the northern region, including Sokoto State (83), Yobe State (97), and Zamfara State (139).
Regionally, the South West recorded the highest number of newly confirmed cases, while the North West reported the lowest totals, underscoring uneven transmission patterns across the country.
A decade-long trend analysis further illustrates Nigeria’s evolving HIV landscape. Cases surged from 228,014 in 2016 to a peak of 464,355 in 2020 before declining sharply to 21,389 in 2026, a dramatic 90.8 percent drop from 2025 figures. This recent decline marks the most significant reduction within the period under review.
In terms of treatment coverage, disparities across states persist. Benue State, Akwa Ibom State, and Lagos State account for the highest number of patients currently receiving care, while Sokoto State and Ekiti State report the lowest figures. The South South region leads overall in treatment coverage, followed by the South West, with the North West trailing behind.
Importantly, the data highlights Nigeria’s steady progress toward the global 95-95-95 HIV targets, reflecting improvements in diagnosis, treatment access, and viral suppression rates.
Still, the disproportionate burden on women and concentration of cases in specific regions highlight the need for targeted interventions. The latest data shows that strengthening prevention strategies among young people, especially women, alongside expanding equitable access to care across underserved areas, will be critical to sustaining the country’s HIV response gains.
