Lagos, Benue Lead Nigeria in HIV Infections Among Women

A report released by the Nigeria Data Repository (NDR) reveals that Lagos and Benue states are the epicenters of new HIV infections, particularly affecting young women. The report indicates that 95% of people living with HIV know their status, marking a significant achievement in national awareness efforts.

Currently, 1,657,173 patients are actively receiving treatment across 1,997 health facilities, with 95% achieving viral suppression. An analysis of a decade's worth of data shows fluctuations in new HIV cases, peaking at 464,355 in 2020 and declining to 21,389 in 2026.

The report highlights that young adults, especially females, are experiencing higher infection rates compared to males. In the last three months, Lagos recorded 2,342 new cases, followed by Benue with 1,956.

The report emphasizes the need for targeted interventions in regions with higher infection rates among females to sustain progress in HIV control.