HIV/AIDS remains a major global public health issue, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria, where millions are affected. Below are the latest statistics and data on HIV/AIDS cases, deaths, and treatment coverage.
1. Global HIV/AIDS Statistics (2024) 🌍
According to UNAIDS (2023-2024 estimates):
- Total People Living with HIV (PLHIV): 39 million worldwide.
- New HIV Infections (2023-2024): 1.3 million new infections annually.
- AIDS-Related Deaths (2023-2024): 630,000 deaths per year.
- Access to Antiretroviral Therapy (ART): 76% of adults with HIV are receiving ART.
- Children with HIV: 1.7 million children (under 15) living with HIV.
- HIV Prevention Coverage: PrEP (Pre-exposure prophylaxis) use is increasing, but still low in developing countries.
Global Regional Breakdown
| Region | People Living with HIV | New Infections (2023) | AIDS-Related Deaths (2023) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sub-Saharan Africa | 25.6 million | 700,000 | 430,000 |
| Asia & Pacific | 6 million | 240,000 | 120,000 |
| Eastern Europe & Central Asia | 1.8 million | 170,000 | 47,000 |
| Western & Central Europe/North America | 2.3 million | 50,000 | 20,000 |
| Latin America & Caribbean | 2.4 million | 110,000 | 35,000 |
💡 Key Observations:
- Sub-Saharan Africa remains the epicentre of the epidemic.
- HIV infection rates are declining globally due to improved prevention efforts.
- AIDS-related deaths have dropped by 50% since 2010, thanks to ART accessibility.
2. Nigeria’s HIV/AIDS Statistics (2024) 🇳🇬
Nigeria has one of the highest HIV burdens in the world, but progress has been made in treatment and prevention.
Nigeria’s HIV/AIDS Data (2024 Estimates)
- Total People Living with HIV (PLHIV): 1.9 million
- HIV Prevalence Rate: 1.3% of the total population (15-49 years).
- New HIV Infections (2023-2024): 75,000 per year.
- AIDS-Related Deaths (2023-2024): 53,000 deaths annually.
- Children with HIV (Under 15): 120,000 children infected.
- Access to ART in Nigeria: 89% of PLHIV receiving treatment.
- Mother-to-Child Transmission Rate: 22% transmission rate (still high).
HIV Prevalence by State in Nigeria
| State | HIV Prevalence Rate (%) |
|---|---|
| Akwa Ibom | 5.5% |
| Benue | 4.9% |
| Rivers | 3.8% |
| Taraba | 2.9% |
| Lagos | 1.5% |
| Abuja (FCT) | 1.9% |
| Borno | 0.7% |
| Katsina | 0.5% |
💡 Key Takeaways for Nigeria:
✅ HIV prevalence has declined from 4.1% (2000) to 1.3% (2024).
✅ Increased ART coverage, but treatment gaps still exist in rural areas.
✅ Mother-to-child transmission remains a concern due to low prevention efforts.
✅ High-risk groups (sex workers, drug users, LGBTQ+) still face stigma and limited healthcare access.
3. HIV/AIDS Treatment & Prevention Efforts
Global Progress in ART Treatment
- In 2023, 29.8 million people were on ART globally (76% of all PLHIV).
- Sub-Saharan Africa leads in ART coverage but still has treatment gaps.
- Newer, long-acting injectable ART treatments (e.g., Cabotegravir) improve adherence.
HIV Prevention Strategies
🚨 Key Challenges in Prevention:
- Limited access to PrEP in many developing countries.
- High stigma & discrimination in certain communities (LGBTQ+, drug users).
- Limited HIV education in rural and underdeveloped regions.
✅ Successful Prevention Methods:
✔ Condom distribution & education.
✔ Needle exchange programmes for drug users.
✔ Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) & Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).
✔ Mother-to-child transmission prevention via ART during pregnancy.
4. The Future of HIV/AIDS – Can We End AIDS by 2030?
UNAIDS has set ambitious targets:
🔹 95-95-95 GOALS (By 2030):
- 95% of people living with HIV should know their status.
- 95% of diagnosed people should be on ART.
- 95% of those on ART should have viral suppression.
Challenges to Achieving These Goals
❌ Stigma & discrimination (prevents testing and treatment).
❌ Limited ART funding (especially after COVID-19 disruptions).
❌ Emerging drug-resistant HIV strains.
Potential Breakthroughs in HIV Treatment
🔬 mRNA HIV Vaccines – Moderna & NIH are testing new HIV vaccines using mRNA technology (still in trials).
💉 Long-acting ART injections – Reduces the need for daily pills.
🧬 Gene editing (CRISPR) for HIV Cure – Scientists are exploring ways to eliminate HIV from infected cells permanently.
5. Conclusion – Key Takeaways
🌍 HIV/AIDS is still a global epidemic, but treatment & prevention have made significant progress.
🇳🇬 Nigeria’s HIV prevalence is declining, but challenges remain in mother-to-child transmission, stigma, and rural treatment access.
🔬 New advancements (vaccines, gene therapy, long-acting ART) could help us reach the “End AIDS by 2030” goal.
💡 Final Thought: The fight against HIV/AIDS is far from over, but with strong political commitment, funding, and scientific breakthroughs, a future without AIDS is possible.
HIV/AIDS Statistics for Benin City, Edo State (2024 Estimates)
Benin City, the capital of Edo State, is one of Nigeria’s urban centres with a significant HIV burden due to high population density, economic activities, and migration trends.
1. HIV Prevalence in Edo State
- Overall HIV Prevalence in Edo State: 1.9% (NACA, 2023)
- Estimated People Living with HIV (PLHIV) in Edo State: Over 60,000
- New HIV Infections (2023-2024): Approximately 2,500 – 3,000 annually
- AIDS-Related Deaths (2023-2024): Over 1,200 deaths per year
2. Benin City-Specific Data (Estimated based on Edo State figures)
- Benin City HIV Prevalence: Approximately 2.1% (Higher than rural areas due to urban risks)
- People Living with HIV in Benin City: Around 25,000 – 30,000
- ART Coverage: About 80% of diagnosed individuals receive treatment
- Mother-to-Child Transmission Rate: 17-22% (Still high, requiring better prevention strategies)
- Key Populations at Higher Risk in Benin City:
✅ Sex workers – Studies show a prevalence of 15-25% in some urban hotspots.
✅ Men who have sex with men (MSM) – Estimated HIV prevalence 15-30%.
✅ People who inject drugs (PWID) – Increased risk due to needle sharing.
3. HIV Testing & Treatment in Benin City
✅ Major ART (Antiretroviral Therapy) Treatment Centres in Benin City:
- UBTH (University of Benin Teaching Hospital) – A key HIV treatment centre.
- Central Hospital Benin City – Provides ART and HIV prevention services.
- Faith-Based & NGO Clinics – Several churches and NGOs offer free testing.
- Edo State Agency for the Control of AIDS (EDOSACA) – Coordinates state HIV response.
🚨 Challenges in ART Coverage:
- Stigma & discrimination prevent some people from accessing care.
- Irregular ART supply causes treatment interruptions.
- Low uptake of PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) despite its effectiveness in preventing new infections.
4. HIV Prevention & Awareness in Benin City
📌 Programs & Campaigns in Edo State:
✔ HIV awareness & free testing campaigns by NGOs & Edo State Government.
✔ PMTCT (Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission) programs in hospitals.
✔ Condom distribution & safe sex education (but stigma affects access).
✔ Outreach programs for key populations (sex workers, MSM, drug users).
5. Conclusion & Recommendations
📊 HIV prevalence in Benin City is slightly above the state average due to urban lifestyle, economic activities, and key population groups at risk.
🚀 To reduce new infections and improve treatment outcomes, Edo State should:
- Expand HIV testing & awareness campaigns.
- Increase PMTCT efforts to prevent mother-to-child transmission.
- Ensure consistent ART supply.
- Promote PrEP and PEP for high-risk groups.
- Address stigma and discrimination, which discourage people from seeking treatment.
Would you like a detailed breakdown of HIV services in Benin City, or information on specific hospitals and NGOs working on HIV/AIDS?
