Abuja, April 23, 2025 — Rivers, Benue, and Akwa Ibom States have been identified as having the highest HIV prevalence rates in Nigeria, according to the latest HIV Spectrum Estimates released by the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA).
The newly published data is part of NACA’s annual review of the national HIV epidemic and offers critical insights into the geographic spread and intensity of the virus across the country.
According to the report, Rivers State tops the list with an estimated prevalence rate of 5.5%, followed by Benue at 5.3% and Akwa Ibom at 4.9%. These figures are significantly higher than the national average of 1.3%, underscoring the urgent need for intensified prevention, testing, and treatment programs in the affected states.
Dr. Gambo Aliyu, Director-General of NACA, expressed concern over the figures, emphasizing that while Nigeria has made substantial progress in reducing HIV infections nationwide, certain states remain hotspots due to a combination of socio-economic, cultural, and systemic challenges.
“We are making progress, but the fight against HIV is far from over,” Dr. Aliyu said. “Our goal is to ensure that no state is left behind in the national response. We are working closely with state governments and development partners to scale up testing, treatment, and awareness campaigns.”
Experts cite factors such as high-risk sexual behavior, limited access to healthcare in rural areas, and stigma associated with HIV as major contributors to the continued high prevalence in these regions.
The report also highlighted improvements in other areas, noting that the number of people living with HIV who are receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) has increased to over 1.8 million as of early 2025. Nigeria’s adherence to the UNAIDS 95-95-95 target remains a key component of the national strategy — aiming for 95% of people living with HIV to know their status, 95% of those diagnosed to receive sustained ART, and 95% of those on treatment to achieve viral suppression.
NACA reiterated its commitment to reaching key populations, strengthening public health systems, and eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV by 2030.
