By A new report released by the National Data Repository has revealed that 21,388 individuals tested positive for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) across Nigeria between January and March 2026, with Oyo State accounting for 765 cases, representing 3.6 per cent of the total figure.
The data also showed that while 1,300 health facilities have been activated for recency testing nationwide, only 125 facilities reported conducting such tests within the last three months. This raises concerns about gaps in surveillance and reporting.
Breakdown According to State
Among the states, Lagos recorded the highest number of HIV-positive cases with 2,341, followed by Benue (1,951) and Rivers (1,183). Other states in the top 10 include Akwa Ibom (1,155), Anambra (1,020), Kaduna (854), Delta (826), Ogun (768), Oyo (765), and the Federal Capital Territory (678).
Conversely, states with the lowest reported figures include Jigawa (182), Zamfara (134), Ekiti (129), Yobe (97), and Sokoto (82).
Meanwhile, lower figures in some states may not necessarily indicate a lower prevalence of HIV, but could reflect inadequate testing infrastructure, limited access to healthcare facilities, poor awareness, and socio-cultural barriers discouraging individuals from seeking testing. In such cases, underreporting remains a significant challenge which may overshadow the true burden of the virus in those regions.
Age and Gender Distribution
Young adults and middle-aged individuals account for a significant proportion of cases, with higher infection rates recorded among females in most categories.
Among those aged 20–24, 686 males tested positive compared to 1,893 females, while in the 25–29 age bracket, 1,101 males and 2,608 females were recorded. Similarly, in the 30–34 category, 1,027 males tested positive against 2,122 females.
Older age groups also showed notable figures, with 1,208 males and 1,419 females aged 50 and above testing positive. Among younger populations, 282 males and 224 females aged 1–4 were recorded, indicating ongoing concerns about mother-to-child transmission.
Understanding HIV
HIV is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system, weakening its ability to fight infections and diseases. It is primarily transmitted through contact with infected bodily fluids, most commonly during unprotected sexual activity, breastfeeding or through the sharing of contaminated needles.
If left untreated, HIV can progress to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), a more advanced stage of the disease. Although there is currently no cure for HIV, it can be effectively managed with antiretroviral therapy (ART), which reduces the viral load in the body to very low levels and allows individuals to live long, healthy lives.
Government Response and Intervention Efforts
Nigeria continues to scale up efforts to combat HIV/AIDS, with an estimated 1.9 million people currently living with the virus, according to the World Health Organization.
As part of recent interventions, the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, has introduced lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable drug for HIV prevention. The medication, administered once every six months, offers a promising alternative for individuals at high risk of infection.
The rollout is being supported by global partners, including the Global Fund and the PEPFAR, with the first phase set to begin in eight states, including Benue, Akwa Ibom, and the Federal Capital Territory.
In addition, more than 70 health facilities across 10 states have undergone assessments to determine their readiness for the delivery of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), focusing on capacity building, supply management, and patient counselling.
Earlier efforts by the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari also saw the launch of a ₦62 billion HIV Trust Fund in 2022 aimed at ending AIDS as a public health threat and expanding treatment coverage.
HIV Trend Analysis
Recent data indicates a downward trend in confirmed HIV cases over the years. Nigeria recorded 451,402 cases in 2021, which declined to 330,690 in 2022 and 238,748 in 2023. The downward trend continued in 2024 when 143,666 was recorded and 111,513 in 2025.
Declining figures may suggest progress, sustained investment in testing, awareness, and treatment is critical to achieving long-term control of the epidemic.
Image: UH Hospitals
