Nigeria Reports 20,838 New HIV Cases in First Quarter of 2026
Nigeria has reported a total of 20,838 new human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections between January and March 2026, according to the latest data from the National Data Repository. The figures reveal a concerning trend, with Lagos and Benue states emerging as the most affected regions in the country.
State-by-State Breakdown of New HIV Cases
Lagos State recorded the highest number of new cases at 2,298, closely followed by Benue State with 1,949 infections. Akwa Ibom State ranked third with 1,159 cases, while Rivers State reported 1,137 and Anambra State had 1,013 new infections.
In the northern region, Kaduna State posted 842 cases, and Kano State recorded 476. Other states with notable figures include Delta (803), Oyo (763), Ogun (751), Plateau (662), Imo (640), and Nasarawa (615). The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) logged 579 cases, while Abia and Edo states reported 527 and 512 cases, respectively.
Ebonyi State recorded 253 cases, Gombe had 252, and Borno reported 238. Ekiti State had 129 cases, Sokoto recorded 110, and Yobe State reported the lowest figure at 100 new infections.
Federal Government Commits $346 Million to HIV Response
The Federal Government recently announced a commitment of $346 million in co-financing for 2026 to boost HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria interventions across the country. The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Pate, made this announcement during the national rollout of Lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable used for HIV prevention.
"In the context of this major bilateral funder, the co-financing for 2026 is almost 346 million dollars additional. The President has already directed the Budget Office of the Federation to ensure that it is captured in the 2026 budget," Pate stated.
He emphasized that the funding would support critical areas including medical supplies, laboratory surveillance, reagents, expansion of primary healthcare services, and financial protection for citizens. "That means some of the commodity costs, the laboratory surveillance costs, the reagents, primary health care and expansion of financial protection should be included," he added.
Community Leaders Call for Stigma Reduction and Integrated Services
Religious leaders and the community of people living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria have stressed the urgent need to strengthen and integrate HIV services within primary health care systems. They are advocating for equitable access to innovations, including long-acting injectables for HIV prevention.
Presenting a communiqué issued at the end of a Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue titled 'Faith Forward: Reclaiming HIV in the Health Agenda', the immediate past president of the Church Council of Nigeria (CCN), Most Reverend Benebo Fubara, observed that the HIV response is at a critical crossroads. He cited declining funding, persistent stigma, health system gaps, and increasing vulnerability among young people as major challenges.
The event was organized by the World Council of Churches (WCC) through its HIV, Reproductive Health and Pandemics Programme, with support from ViiV Healthcare, in alliance with the Nigerian Network of Religious Leaders Living with or Personally Affected by HIV (NINERELA+).
Reverend Fubara expressed deep concern that HIV remains a significant global challenge, with 1.3 million new infections worldwide and approximately 48,000 new cases recorded in Nigeria in 2024 alone.
Religious and Community Voices on HIV Awareness
The National Chief Imam of Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society, Fuad Adeyemi, emphasized that there should be no stigma attached to anyone because of their HIV status. He highlighted new tools available for treating and controlling HIV and AIDS, calling on the government to partner with faith leaders to end the epidemic in Nigeria.
Speaking on behalf of the International Community of Women Living with HIV West Africa (ICWWA), Oluchi Ndubuisi stressed the need for united action to eliminate stigma and ensure that HIV services are available and accessible to everyone.
The HIV/AIDS community has appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders, and Faith-Based Organizations (FBOs) to increase awareness about the reality of the HIV pandemic. They are urging these leaders to promote stigma-free and inclusive communities while mobilizing uptake of HIV prevention, care, and treatment services.
