- Nigeria reported 75,000 new HIV cases and 45,000 related deaths in 2023, highlighting an urgent need for stronger prevention efforts
- Dr. Ilori emphasized the low Mother-To-Child Transmission rate, stressing significant work needed to meet the 2030 HIV/AIDS elimination goal
Nigeria reported 75,000 new HIV cases and 45,000 related deaths, according to Dr. Temitope Ilori, Director-General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA).
This announcement came during a two-day National Prevention Technical Working Group (NPTWG) meeting in Abuja. Although new HIV infections are slowing, Dr. Ilori stressed the importance of implementing recommendations from the 2024 Nigeria HIV Prevention Conference to eliminate HIV/AIDS by 2030.
Dr. Ilori expressed concern, stating, “In 2023, we had 75,000 new infections and 45,000 HIV-related deaths. This is alarming. Our Mother-To-Child Transmission rate is only 35 to 40 percent, far below the 75 percent target. We have much work ahead.”
Prof. Muhammad Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, called on stakeholders to review progress on HIV prevention strategies. Represented by Dr. Bashorun Adebobola, Pate emphasized strengthening communication to avoid a resurgence of infections and achieve the 2030 goal.
Dr. Leo Zekeng, UNAIDS Country Director in Nigeria, noted that many countries, including Nigeria, fail to meet the 2025 prevention target. He acknowledged significant progress but highlighted the ongoing challenge of preventing new HIV infections. Zekeng recommended a quarterly performance framework for monitoring progress and accountability.
Mr. Abdulkadir Ibrahim, National Coordinator of the Network of People Living with HIV and AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN), underscored the importance of adherence to HIV treatment for prevention. “If someone with HIV adheres to medication, the chance of transmitting the virus is zero,” he said.
Evans Emerson, Deputy Country Coordinator of the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), stressed the need to include youth and key populations in efforts to eliminate HIV as a public threat.