Amanze Chinonye
Nigeria’s latest HIV testing data paints a complex picture of a disease that, despite decades of intervention and progress, continues to pose a significant public health challenge across the country.
Figures from the National Data Repository (NDR), published by Statisense and covering the period as of June 2026, show wide variations in the number of newly tested HIV-positive persons across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
While Lagos, Akwa Ibom and Benue recorded the highest numbers of newly identified cases, several states in the North-East and North-West reported considerably lower figures.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelAt first glance, the data appears to reveal where the burden of HIV is greatest. However, public health experts caution that the figures represent newly diagnosed cases during a specific reporting period and should not be mistaken for overall HIV prevalence rates. Rather, they offer insight into testing activity, case detection, healthcare access and the effectiveness of surveillance systems across different parts of the country.
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Lagos State recorded the highest number of newly tested HIV-positive persons, with 1,923 cases. Akwa Ibom followed with 1,514 cases, while Benue recorded 1,408. Anambra ranked fourth with 1,334 cases, followed by Rivers with 1,083.
The remaining states in the top 12 were Delta (742), Kaduna (710), Ogun (704), Oyo (694), the Federal Capital Territory (626), Kano (612) and Nasarawa (596).
The prominence of Lagos is hardly surprising. As Nigeria’s largest city and commercial centre, the state attracts millions of residents, workers and visitors, resulting in high levels of healthcare utilisation and testing. A larger population and more extensive healthcare infrastructure often translate into higher numbers of diagnoses.
Akwa Ibom and Benue have also historically featured among states with substantial HIV burdens. Over the years, government agencies and development partners have channelled significant resources into prevention, testing and treatment programmes in both states, contributing to improved case detection and monitoring.
Anambra’s appearance among the top-ranking states may also reflect expanding access to HIV testing services and heightened efforts to identify previously undiagnosed individuals. Public health specialists generally regard increased testing and diagnosis as essential steps towards treatment and viral suppression, both of which are critical to reducing transmission.
At the other end of the scale, Yobe recorded the lowest number of newly tested HIV-positive persons, with 114 cases. Ekiti followed with 134, while Sokoto recorded 146.
Other states among the bottom 12 included Katsina (197), Jigawa (204), Gombe (206), Zamfara (227), Borno (253), Ebonyi (267), Osun (280), Bauchi (281) and Kebbi (296).
Yet lower numbers do not necessarily indicate a lower HIV burden. Health experts have long warned that a range of factors including limited testing uptake, insecurity, social stigma, geographical barriers and inadequate healthcare infrastructure can affect the number of cases identified within a population.
This reality is particularly relevant in parts of northern Nigeria, where years of conflict and displacement have complicated healthcare delivery. In states such as Yobe and Borno, ongoing security challenges have at times disrupted public health programmes and restricted access to medical services, potentially affecting testing coverage and disease surveillance.
The regional spread of the latest figures underscores another important point: HIV remains a national challenge. States from every geopolitical zone appear among both the highest and lowest rankings, highlighting the fact that the epidemic cuts across geographical, cultural and economic boundaries.
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Nigeria has made notable progress in its response to HIV over the past two decades. Expanded access to antiretroviral therapy, improved public awareness campaigns and community-based testing initiatives have helped reduce AIDS-related deaths and improve health outcomes for millions of people living with the virus.
Nevertheless, the latest testing data serves as a reminder that significant work remains.
Sustaining gains against HIV will require continued investment in prevention programmes, early diagnosis, treatment access and public education, particularly among vulnerable populations and underserved communities.
As public health stakeholders examine the figures, the broader lesson may lie not in which states recorded the highest or lowest numbers, but in ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of location, has access to timely testing, diagnosis and life-saving care.
In the fight against HIV, identifying new cases is not merely a statistic – it is the first step towards treatment, prevention and, ultimately, control of the epidemic.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
