The Digest:
A new report from the National Data Repository shows Lagos and Benue as the dual epicentres of new HIV infections in Nigeria, with young women emerging as the most vulnerable group. In the last three months, females aged 20-29 recorded the highest infection rates, with 1,908 cases among those 20-24 and 2,620 among those 25-29. The report also shows that Nigeria has achieved the 95-95-95 targets, with 95% of people living with HIV aware of their status, 95% on treatment, and 95% virally suppressed. New cases have declined by 90.8% from 2025 to 2026.
Key Points:
- Lagos recorded 2,342 new cases, followed by Benue with 1,956 in the last three months.
- Young women aged 20-29 are the most affected demographic group.
- Nigeria achieved the 95-95-95 HIV targets for awareness, treatment, and viral suppression.
- New cases dropped 90.8% from 111,513 in 2025 to 21,389 in 2026.
- South West region recorded the highest new cases (4,628), followed by the South-South (3,942).
While Nigeria has made significant progress in HIV control, the high infection rates among young women and in specific states highlight the need for targeted interventions to sustain and build on these gains.
Sources: The Punch
