Experts Raise Alarm Over Rising HIV Cases in Nigeria
Experts say rising HIV infections in Nigeria highlight the need for stronger funding, prevention services and sustained public awareness campaigns.
Medical experts have warned that increasing HIV infections in Nigeria could undermine years of progress, citing reduced donor funding, rising poverty and weaker public awareness campaigns as major concerns.
According to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare’s State of the Health of the Nation Report 2025, Nigeria recorded 102,025 new HIV infections across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory in 2025. Health professionals say funding cuts have affected key HIV prevention services, including testing, counselling, education and community outreach, while economic hardship has heightened the risk of transmission.
Tuberculosis and HIV specialist Dr Dan Onwujekwe said worsening poverty has driven many Nigerians to seek treatment at unregistered health facilities, where unsafe practices such as reusing syringes and needles may increase the spread of HIV infections in Nigeria and other diseases. He also warned that sharing sharp instruments in barber shops, salons and beauty parlours carries additional risks.
Speaking on the effects of declining donor support, Onwujekwe said, “Whenever funding is cut, preventive healthcare services are usually the first to suffer. In fact, the 102,025 reported HIV cases may actually represent only the tip of the iceberg. Nigeria is a very large country, and the figure is probably only a fraction of the actual burden. However, that is the official figure currently available.”
HIV researcher Dr Sule Abdullahi also linked reduced donor funding and fewer public awareness campaigns to challenges in testing and treatment. He explained that interruptions in the supply of HIV medicines could affect treatment adherence, leading to higher viral loads and increasing the likelihood of transmission.
According to Abdullahi, HIV awareness campaigns have declined significantly in recent years. He urged the government to increase domestic funding to strengthen prevention and treatment programmes, while encouraging Nigerians to practise safer sex and avoid behaviours that increase the risk of infection.
What additional steps should Nigeria take to reduce HIV infections in Nigeria and strengthen prevention efforts?
