Lagos, Benue Lead as Nigeria Records Over 18,000 New HIV Cases in Q1 2026
…..Index data reveals hotspots amid calls for urgent interventions
Nigeria has recorded over 18,000 newly tested HIV-positive cases across states in the first quarter of 2026, data from the National Data Repository shows, as published.
The January-to-March figures spotlight the persistent public health crisis, with Lagos topping the list at 2,298 cases—fuelled by population density and urban migration—followed by Benue with 1,949.
South-South, South-East Hotspots
Akwa Ibom (1,159), Rivers (1,137), Anambra (1,013), Delta (803), and Imo (640) underline high infection rates in these regions.
Northern States Trail but Raise Alarms
Kaduna led the North with 842 cases, ahead of Plateau (662), Nasarawa (615), and FCT Abuja (579). Others include Taraba (605), Abia (527), Edo (512), Enugu (479), Kano (476), Kogi (422), and Cross River (396).
Moderate and Lower Burdens:
Oyo (763), Ogun (751), Niger (387), Adamawa (360), Ondo (349), and Kwara (329) posted moderate figures. States like Osun (279), Bayelsa (264), Ebonyi (253), and Gombe (252) reported lower numbers.
Nigeria’s First Lady visits Delta, Advocates free treatment for HIV/AIDS
Yobe had the least at 100 cases, followed by Sokoto (110), Ekiti (129), Zamfara (140), Jigawa (177), Kebbi, Bauchi, Katsina, and Borno. Experts caution low figures may reflect testing gaps, not true prevalence.
Public health analysts urge intensified awareness, expanded testing, antiretroviral access, stigma reduction, and targeted action in hotspots to stem the tide.
