Oluwafunbi Bello 
Director General, NACA, Dr. Temitope Ilori
ABUJA, Nigeria – Nigeria has recorded a 46% decline in new HIV infections over the past decade, marking one of the most significant national achievements in its fight against the epidemic, the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has announced.
The progress comes alongside expanded testing efforts, with more than 5 million pregnant women screened in 2024 alone. Of these, 26,000 who tested positive were immediately placed on treatment to prevent mother-to-child transmission.
Speaking on Monday during the 2025 World AIDS Day commemoration in Abuja, NACA Director-General Dr Temitope Ilori said Nigeria’s adult HIV prevalence now stands at 1.4%, with the country moving closer to achieving global treatment objectives.
“We have strengthened our resolve to build a more self-reliant, sustainable and homegrown HIV response,” she said, noting that the country has made substantial strides despite COVID-19 disruptions and economic pressures.
However, Dr Ilori highlighted key gaps that could slow progress, including 65% HIV testing coverage among pregnant women and 56% early infant diagnosis.
“These numbers show the scale of our commitment to protecting mothers and children. However, we still have work to do,” she said.
In 2024, 23,000 HIV-exposed infants received early diagnosis within their first three months of life.
Globally, 40.8 million people are living with HIV, with 1.3 million new infections recorded last year. Despite global challenges, more than 29 million people now access life-saving treatment worldwide.
This year’s World AIDS Day theme, “Overcoming Disruptions, Sustaining Nigeria’s HIV Response,” reflects the need for resilience amid fluctuating donor support and economic uncertainty.
“Every pregnant woman must be tested, every baby protected, and every Nigerian living with HIV supported to live a healthy, productive life,” Dr Ilori emphasised.
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