Keys Facts on HIV Pandemic in Nigeria&Globally

Credits;USAID

Nigeria had 220 000 (150 000 - 310 000) new HIV infections and 160 000 (110 000 - 230 000) AIDS-related deaths in 2016. There were 3 200 000 (2 300 000 - 4 300 000) people living with HIV in 2016, among whom 30% (19% - 42%) were accessing antiretroviral therapy. Among pregnant women living with HIV, 32% (22% - 44%) were accessing treatment or prophylaxis to prevent transmission of HIV to their children. An estimated 37 000 (22 000 - 56 000) children were newly infected with HIV due to mother-to-child transmission. Among people living with HIV, approximately 24% (18% - 32%) had suppressed viral loads.

The key populations most affected by HIV in Nigeria are:

• Sex workers, with an HIV prevalence of 14.4%.
• Gay men and other men who have sex with men, with an HIV prevalence of 23%.
• People who inject drugs, with an HIV prevalence of 3.4%.

Since 2010, new HIV infections have decreased by 21% and AIDS-related deaths have decreased by 6%.
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Nigeria’s HIV epidemic affects all population groups and geographic areas of the country. It is the second largest epidemic globally. Key populations are disproportionately impacted by the epidemic.

Nigeria is a Fast-Track country and its response is guided by the National Strategic Framework 2017–2021, which aims at ending AIDS by achieving zero new infections, zero AIDS related deaths and zero discrimination. Elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV is a priority. Stigma and discrimination is a major challenge, especially towards key populations and people living with HIV-Source; USAID.

2017 GLOBAL HIV/AIDS OUTLOOK 

Key facts

•         HIV continues to be a major global public health issue, having claimed more than 35 million lives so far. In 2016, 1.0 million people died from HIV-related causes globally.
•          There were approximately 36.7 million people living with HIV at the end of 2016 with 1.8 million people becoming newly infected in 2016 globally.
•   54% of adults and 43% of children living with HIV are currently receiving lifelong antiretroviral therapy (ART).
•          Global ART coverage for pregnant and breastfeeding women living with HIV is high at 76% .
•          The WHO African Region is the most affected region, with 25.6 million people living with HIV in 2016. The African region also accounts for almost two thirds of the global total of new HIV infections.
•         HIV infection is often diagnosed through rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), which detect the presence or absence of HIV antibodies. Most often these tests provide same-day test results, which are essential for same day diagnosis and early treatment and care.
•         Key populations are groups who are at increased risk of HIV irrespective of epidemic type or local context. They include: men who have sex with men, people who inject drugs, people in prisons and other closed settings, sex workers and their clients, and transgender people.
•          Key populations often have legal and social issues related to their behaviours that increase vulnerability to HIV and reduce access to testing and treatment programmes.
•          In 2015, an estimated 44% of new infections occurred among key populations and their partners.
•         There is no cure for HIV infection. However, effective antiretroviral (ARV) drugs can control the virus and help prevent transmission so that people with HIV, and those at substantial risk, can enjoy healthy, long and productive lives.
•          It is estimated that currently only 70% of people with HIV know their status. To reach the target of 90%, an additional 7.5 million people need to access HIV testing services. In mid-2017, 20.9 million people living with HIV were receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) globally.
•         Between 2000 and 2016, new HIV infections fell by 39%, and HIV-related deaths fell by one third with 13.1 million lives saved due to ART in the same period. This achievement was the result of great efforts by national HIV programmes supported by civil society and a range of development partners.