Nigeria’s efforts to eliminate AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 gained renewed validation on Tuesday as the National Agency for the Control of AIDS,NACA, announced fresh data showing steady national progress ahead of the 2024 World AIDS Day commemoration in Abuja.
At a press conference marking preparations for the annual event, NACA Director General, Dr Temitope Ilori, said the country has achieved two of the three global UNAIDS 95–95–95 targets, reflecting significant improvement in testing, treatment coverage and viral suppression nationwide.
World AIDS Day, held every December 1, is observed globally to raise awareness on HIV/AIDS, strengthen solidarity with affected communities and assess response efforts.
This year’s theme, “Overcoming disruption: Sustaining Nigeria’s HIV response,” underscores the resilience of the country’s programme despite economic uncertainties, shifting global financing and the aftershocks of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ilori reported that Nigeria currently stands at 87–98–95 performance toward the global targets: 87 per cent of people living with HIV know their status; 98 per cent of those who know their status are on treatment; and 95 per cent of those on treatment have achieved viral suppression, meaning they cannot transmit the virus. She noted that these outcomes signal strong national commitment to ending the epidemic.
She added that Nigeria has witnessed a 46 per cent decline in new HIV infections over the past decade, with more individuals enrolled and retained in care than at any other time.
However, she said areas such as early infant diagnosis and paediatric treatment still require intensified, state-led intervention to close existing gaps in preventing mother-to-child transmission.
Despite major disruptions, Ilori stressed that the country’s HIV response has remained resilient. In 2024 alone, 204,201 individuals from key populations remained on antiretroviral therapy, sustaining high viral suppression rates.
She also highlighted growing domestic resource mobilisation, with more states increasing budgetary commitments and strengthening HIV Trust Funds to support sustainability.
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Ilori also noted that when international funding uncertainties threatened essential services earlier in the year, the Federal Government intervened with a $200 million allocation to ensure uninterrupted HIV prevention, testing and treatment services across the country.
While progress remains significant, she warned that persistent challenges — including stigma, discrimination, dependence on external financing and restricted access in remote areas — continue to hinder the national response.
She called for stronger multisectoral coordination, expanded domestic financing and intensified efforts to create safe, inclusive spaces for all affected groups.
In his remarks, UNAIDS representative, Mr Gabriel Undelikwo, commended Nigeria for strengthening national systems, prioritising local financing and expanding treatment access. He emphasised that achieving the 2030 target will rely heavily on sustained leadership, stronger partnerships and community-driven engagement.
Dr Jay Samuels, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Programmes at APIN Public Health Initiatives, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to the national response.
He said APIN, which supports treatment for more than 20 per cent of Nigerians living with HIV, remains dedicated to closing treatment gaps and advancing domestic resource mobilisation.
Also speaking, Mr Omoniyi Amos of the World Health Organisation urged Nigeria to continue transforming the HIV response into sustainable, locally-led systems while tackling stigma, discrimination and misinformation.
Dr Martin Edun, Programme Manager for Non-Communicable Diseases and Programme Integration at the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, pledged continued support for scientific innovation, community-oriented solutions and system strengthening to sustain progress.
As Nigeria prepares to mark World AIDS Day, stakeholders agree that maintaining momentum, deepening collaboration and bolstering health systems will be essential to achieving an AIDS-free nation by 2030.
NAN
