HIV Prevalence in Nigeria: Rivers State Leads with Highest Cases in 2024
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In 2024, Nigeria continues to grapple with the burden of HIV/AIDS, with new data revealing significant regional disparities in prevalence across the country. According to the latest statistics, Rivers State has emerged as the epicenter of the epidemic, recording the highest number of people living with HIV at 208,767 cases. Closely following is Benue State with 202,346 cases, while Akwa Ibom State ranks third with 161,597 cases. These figures highlight the ongoing challenges in combating HIV/AIDS in Nigeria and underscore the need for targeted interventions in high-burden regions.
Rivers State: The Highest Burden
Rivers State, located in the Niger Delta region, has the highest number of people living with HIV in Nigeria, with 208,767 recorded cases in 2024. This figure reflects the state’s complex socio-economic and cultural dynamics, which may contribute to the spread of the virus. Factors such as urbanization, high population density, and limited access to healthcare in some areas could be driving the epidemic in the state. Despite efforts to expand HIV testing and treatment, the sheer volume of cases suggests that more robust prevention strategies, including awareness campaigns and access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), are urgently needed.
Benue State: A Persistent Challenge
Benue State, often referred to as the “food basket of the nation,” follows closely with 202,346 cases. The state has historically been a high-prevalence area for HIV, with factors such as poverty, gender-based violence, and limited healthcare infrastructure exacerbating the situation. Stigma and discrimination also remain significant barriers to testing and treatment, particularly in rural communities. The state’s proximity to Rivers in case numbers indicates that both regions require prioritized attention from national and international health authorities to curb the epidemic.
Akwa Ibom: Third in Line
Akwa Ibom State, another Niger Delta state, recorded 161,597 cases of HIV in 2024, placing it third among Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The state’s coastal location and economic activities, including oil exploration and trade, may contribute to higher HIV transmission rates due to mobility and transactional sex. While Akwa Ibom has made strides in improving access to antiretroviral therapy (ART), the high number of cases suggests that prevention efforts need to be scaled up, particularly among key populations such as sex workers and men who have sex with men.
National Context and Response
Nigeria remains one of the countries most affected by HIV/AIDS globally, with an estimated 1.9 million people living with the virus as of recent data. The 2024 figures from Rivers, Benue, and Akwa Ibom highlight the uneven distribution of the epidemic, with certain states bearing a disproportionate burden. The Nigerian government, in collaboration with international partners like UNAIDS and the Global Fund, has implemented programs aimed at reducing new infections and improving treatment access. These include the National HIV/AIDS Strategic Plan, which focuses on achieving the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets: ensuring that 95% of people living with HIV know their status, 95% of those diagnosed receive sustained ART, and 95% of those on treatment achieve viral suppression.
However, challenges such as funding shortages, healthcare worker shortages, and cultural barriers continue to hinder progress. The high prevalence in states like Rivers, Benue, and Akwa Ibom calls for tailored interventions that address local realities. For instance, community-based testing and treatment programs, mobile clinics, and peer education initiatives could help reach underserved populations in these states.
The Way Forward
The 2024 HIV prevalence data serves as a stark reminder of the work that remains in Nigeria’s fight against HIV/AIDS. Rivers, Benue, and Akwa Ibom, with their significant case numbers, require urgent and sustained action. Key priorities include:
- Strengthening Prevention Programs: Expanding access to condoms, PrEP, and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) can reduce new infections, particularly among high-risk groups.
- Improving Testing and Treatment Access: Increasing the availability of HIV testing services and ensuring consistent ART supply chains are critical to managing the epidemic.
- Addressing Stigma: Public awareness campaigns can help reduce stigma and encourage more people to seek testing and treatment without fear of discrimination.
- Targeting Key Populations: Interventions tailored to sex workers, men who have sex with men, and people who inject drugs are essential to reducing transmission in high-prevalence areas.
- Enhancing Data Collection: Accurate and timely data collection can help monitor trends and allocate resources effectively.
As Nigeria strives to meet global HIV/AIDS targets, the focus must remain on high-burden states like Rivers, Benue, and Akwa Ibom. By addressing the unique challenges in these regions and scaling up evidence-based interventions, the country can move closer to an AIDS-free future.
Note: The data cited in this article is based on the user-provided information for 2024 HIV prevalence in Nigeria. For further details or real-time updates, additional sources such as the Nigerian Ministry of Health or UNAIDS reports may be consulted.
