Anambra State has been identified as the fifth state in Nigeria with the highest number of people living with HIV (PLWHIV), according to a recent report from the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA). The report, titled “2024 HIV Spectrum Estimates,” reveals that Anambra has 100,429 recorded HIV cases.
This data places Anambra behind states like Rivers, Benue, Akwa Ibom, and Lagos, which top the list with higher numbers of infections. Rivers State leads with 208,767 cases, while Benue has 202,346 and Akwa Ibom 161,597. Lagos follows with 108,649 cases, and Anambra ranks fifth.
The report notes that more than two million people are currently living with HIV across Nigeria, a concerning figure for public health authorities. Stakeholders are now calling for stronger efforts in HIV prevention, testing, and treatment access.
Government sources have pointed to increased testing efforts as the primary reason behind the rise in HIV cases in Anambra. The state has ramped up its testing programs, reaching out to a larger portion of the population, including pregnant women. As a result, about 98,000 of the 100,000+ HIV-positive residents are now receiving antiretroviral treatment (ART).
Experts also suggest that the state’s high number of tertiary institutions and a growing number of social venues like pubs in areas such as Abakaliki Street, Awka, may contribute to the spread of the virus.
Despite these concerns, the state’s health officials are optimistic that these efforts will lead to better outcomes, especially with increased awareness and availability of test kits.
With the report highlighting a critical gap in preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV, stakeholders are urging both the state and federal governments to step up efforts in reducing HIV transmission. They call for better access to antenatal care and reducing the stigma around HIV testing.
