The United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) reports that in 2022, Nigeria witnessed a total of 77,000 fresh HIV infections and 43,000 deaths related to AIDS.
Doris Ogbang, the National Programme Officer of the organization, shared this information on December 5 in Abuja during the observance of World AIDS Day (WAD) by the UN system in Nigeria.
Ogbang highlighted that 60% of the new HIV infections in Nigeria affected females, 40% males, 29% children, and 17% young individuals aged 15-24 years.
The total number of people living with HIV in Nigeria stands at 1.9 million, comprising 1.8 million adults (92%) and 160,000 children (8%).
Globally, an estimated 1.3 million new HIV infections occurred in 2022, with 46% affecting females and 54% males. Ogbang emphasized the imperative to eliminate AIDS by addressing inequalities, combating stigma, and discrimination against those with the disease.
She stressed the need to prioritize HIV prevention, integration, and the sustainability of the response.
Dr. Leo Zekeng, the UNAIDS Country Representative, represented by the Senior Strategic Information Adviser, underscored the importance of community leadership in the HIV response in Nigeria.
He noted that evidence from the past 40 years has demonstrated the effectiveness of community-led approaches to HIV, which is why this year’s World AIDS Day is dedicated to the community.
Zekeng mentioned that the UN joint team, consisting of 11 agencies in Nigeria, has a collaborative plan to support the AIDS response from 2024 to 2025, with $800,000 already mobilized for this purpose.
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