BY CHIJIOKE CHARLES
The revelation that Nigeria recorded 102,025 new HIV infections in 2025 has renewed concerns over the country’s HIV burden, with health experts attributing the high figure to a combination of ongoing transmission, expanded testing and improved case reporting.
Afrilensnews reports that the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare’s State of the Health of the Nation Report 2025 showed Lagos recorded the highest number of new HIV infections with 10,430 cases, followed by Rivers (6,287) and Kano (6,106).
Health experts say the latest figures do not necessarily indicate that HIV transmission has suddenly accelerated nationwide. Instead, they reflect several factors, including increased access to HIV testing, improved surveillance and the continued spread of the virus in high-population states.
Large urban centres such as Lagos, Rivers and Kano are more likely to record higher numbers because of their population size, increased movement of people and greater access to health facilities where cases are diagnosed and reported.
Experts also point to persistent risky sexual behaviour, low condom use in some communities, late diagnosis, stigma and unequal access to healthcare as major contributors to new HIV infections.
Despite years of awareness campaigns, many Nigerians still do not know their HIV status, while fear of discrimination continues to discourage some people from seeking testing and treatment.
The report comes as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to strengthen HIV prevention and treatment across the country.
In March, the Federal Executive Council approved the procurement of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs to sustain the Presidential HIV treatment programme.
Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Salako, said the approval was aimed at ensuring uninterrupted access to treatment, noting that “Nigeria has a policy of providing free drugs to people living with HIV and AIDS.”
Nigeria also recently received 11,520 doses of lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable medicine for HIV prevention, with health authorities expecting additional supplies under a Global Fund-supported initiative.
Medical experts advise Nigerians to know their HIV status through regular testing, practise safe sex, avoid sharing needles or sharp objects and seek immediate treatment if diagnosed.
They also stress that HIV cannot be spread through hugging, handshakes, sharing food or mosquito bites, adding that people living with HIV who adhere to treatment can suppress the virus to undetectable levels and live long, healthy lives.
The latest report is expected to strengthen calls for sustained investment in HIV prevention, public awareness, expanded testing and access to life-saving treatment as Nigeria seeks to reduce the number of new infections nationwide.
