Nigeria recorded 20,838 new HIV infections between January and March 2026, with Lagos and Benue reporting the highest numbers, according to the National Data Repository.
Lagos led with 2,298 cases, followed by Benue with 1,949. Akwa Ibom ranked third with 1,159 infections, while Rivers and Anambra recorded 1,137 and 1,013 cases respectively.
Other states with notable figures include Kaduna (842), Delta (803), Oyo (763), and Ogun (751). Plateau reported 662 cases, while Imo and Nasarawa logged 640 and 615 respectively.
The Federal Capital Territory recorded 579 infections, while Abia and Edo reported 527 and 512 cases. Kano recorded 476 infections.
States with the lowest numbers include Ebonyi (253), Gombe (252), Borno (238), Ekiti (129), Sokoto (110), and Yobe (100).
In response, the Federal Government announced a $346 million co-financing commitment for 2026 to strengthen interventions against HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, said the funding has already been approved for inclusion in the 2026 budget following a directive from the President.
“In the context of this major bilateral funder, the co-financing for 2026 is almost 346 million dollars additional,” Pate said, noting that the funds will cover commodity costs, laboratory surveillance, reagents, primary healthcare expansion, and financial protection for Nigerians.
He explained that the move reflects Nigeria’s shift toward stronger domestic financing as global health funding becomes increasingly constrained.
“The global space is changing right in front of our eyes… financing has become limited globally,” he said, adding that Nigeria must now rethink its approach despite decades of progress supported by international partnerships.
Pate also emphasized the need for innovation and efficiency, highlighting new tools like Lenacapavir a long-acting injectable for HIV prevention as critical to sustaining gains in the fight against HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria.
