Delta Ranks High in HIV Cases as Nigeria’s Total Tops 2 Million

Delta State has been named among the top states in Nigeria with a high number of people living with HIV, according to the latest report released by the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA).

With 68,170 recorded cases, Delta ranks among the top 10 states battling the HIV epidemic. Rivers (208,767), Benue (202,346), and Akwa Ibom (161,597) lead the national chart, while Lagos, Anambra, and the FCT also report high numbers.

The data shows the ongoing need for more awareness, testing, and access to treatment within Delta communities, especially as over two million people are now living with HIV nationwide.

NACA’s findings also revealed that while 1.75 million Nigerians living with HIV know their status, and 1.73 million are receiving treatment, gaps still remain especially in prevention for pregnant women. Of the 93,000 pregnant women identified as needing antiretroviral therapy (ART) to prevent transmission to their babies, only about a third have received treatment.

For Delta, this underscores the importance of strengthening public health outreach, especially in rural areas where stigma and limited access may hinder people from getting tested or seeking help.

Meanwhile,  1.1 million Nigerians have achieved viral suppression, meaning the virus is no longer detectable and the risk of transmission is significantly reduced. This includes thousands of Deltans who are successfully managing the condition through regular treatment.

NACA’s Director-General, Dr. Temitope Ilori, assured Nigerians that steps are being taken to ensure continued access to HIV medications. She announced a major funding boost: $1.07 billion approved for national healthcare reform, including N4.8 billion dedicated to HIV response. An additional N300 billion was allocated in the 2025 budget to support the health sector.

Dr. Ilori emphasized that the government is committed to closing the treatment and funding gaps, ensuring that no Nigerian is left behind in the fight against HIV.