Nigeria recorded 20,838 new HIV infections between January and March 2026, with Lagos and Benue states reporting the highest numbers, according to the National Data Repository.
Lagos accounted for 2,298 cases, followed by Benue with 1,949. Akwa Ibom was third with 1,159 infections, while Rivers and Anambra reported 1,137 and 1,013 cases respectively.
In the northern region, Kaduna recorded 842 new cases, and Kano reported 476. Other notable figures came from Delta (803), Oyo (763), Ogun (751), Plateau (662), Imo (640), and Nasarawa (615).
The Federal Capital Territory logged 579 cases, with Abia and Edo reporting 527 and 512 infections. Ebonyi, Gombe, and Borno had 253, 252, and 238 cases respectively, while Ekiti, Sokoto, and Yobe recorded the lowest numbers at 129, 110, and 100 cases.
In response, the Federal Government announced $346 million in co-financing for 2026 to strengthen HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria interventions. The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, revealed this during the national rollout of Lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable for HIV prevention.
Pate noted that the funding, already directed by the President to be included in the 2026 budget, will support medical supplies, laboratory surveillance, reagents, expansion of primary healthcare, and financial protection for citizens.
He emphasized that Nigeria is increasingly focusing on domestic funding amid constrained global health financing. Highlighting the need for innovation and efficiency, Pate said advancements like Lenacapavir will help bolster ongoing efforts to control HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria nationwide.
