HIV in West Africa and central Africa is less prevalent than in East and Southern Africa. However, a large proportion of global AIDS-related deaths occur in this region as most countries continue to struggle to offer antiretroviral treatment (ART) to those who need it.
New infections among children has dropped as prevention of mother-to-child transmission services have been scaled up. Despite this, in 2015 the region accounted for nearly half of the global total of new HIV infections among children.
Last full review:
24 April 2017
Most countries in West and Central Africa struggle to offer ART to those who need it, with 5 million people going without treatment.
HIV prevalence is relatively low in Nigeria but its large population means that 3.2 million people are living with HIV.