back to top Responding to HIV and AIDS in Nigeria
Home to ten percent of the global population of people living with HIV, Nigeria, which is also Africa's most populous country is faced with a complex HIV and AIDS epidemic. The Nigerian response has been compromised by numerous factors including, weak health systems, stigma and discrimination, as well as cultural and religious barriers.
As HIV affects many sectors of society and is not confined to any particular group, ending discrimination and expanding HIV and sex education throughout Nigeria is essential. Moreover, with heterosexual transmission accounting for most of the 340,000 new annual HIV infections, gender inequality and intergenerational marriage are some of the key issues that need to be addressed in the country.
As in many other countries Nigeria’s epidemic requires a strategic and targeted response, as more than a third of new infections are among high-risk and hard to reach individuals. Recent estimates show that more than one-in-six men who have sex with men (MSM) and a quarter of male and female sex workers are living with HIV. Nationally, groups most at risk of becoming infected with HIV include brothel and non-brothel based female sex workers (FSW), MSM, injecting drug users (IDUs), transport workers, members of the Armed Forces and Police.
The high HIV prevalence reported among most-at-risk groups and their link to the general population should place these individuals at the centre of HIV prevention programmes. Nevertheless, HIV prevention messages are not sufficiently reaching people that fall within these groups. In addition, laws that prohibit sex work and same-sex relations also hinder HIV prevention programmes for MSM and sex workers. For example, same-sex relations in Nigeria are punishable with up to 14 years imprisonment, under Federal Law, or the death penalty, under Sharia Law.
It is clear, from the recent ‘Global AIDS Response’ country progress report submitted by the Federal Republic of Nigeria earlier this year, that many targets remain unmet and factors, that result in rising numbers of people living with and affected by HIV and AIDS, remain unaddressed. Despite this, progress is being slowly made and with greater political investment and commitment universal HIV prevention, treatment and care in Nigeria can be achieved.
To find out more about how the country is tackling the epidemic, read our 'HIV and AIDS in Nigeria' page.
