Benue State has recorded nearly 200,000 people living with HIV, highlighting the continuing burden of the epidemic in one of Nigeria’s states with a high HIV prevalence rate.
According to figures reported by Trust TV, Benue’s HIV prevalence stands at about 4.7 per cent, meaning roughly 47 out of every 1,000 people in the state may be living with HIV. (Facebook)
The development places Benue among the states with the highest HIV burden in Nigeria and has renewed concerns about prevention, testing, treatment and public awareness.
Recent reports citing 2026 data put the number of people living with HIV in Benue at approximately 202,346 cases. (Facebook)
The figures underscore the need for sustained investment in HIV prevention and treatment programmes, particularly in communities where access to healthcare services may be limited.
Benue has historically recorded one of the country’s highest HIV prevalence rates. A 2024 study, for instance, cited an estimated prevalence of about 4.8 per cent among adults aged 15 to 64 and identified the state as one of Nigeria’s high-risk areas. (IJMS)
Beyond the statistics, health experts have consistently stressed that HIV is a manageable condition when detected early and treated appropriately. Access to antiretroviral therapy can help people living with HIV maintain healthy lives and substantially reduce the risk of transmitting the virus.
The figures also reinforce the importance of regular HIV testing, particularly because people can live with the virus for years without knowing their status.
At the global level, UNAIDS estimates that 41 million people were living with HIV in 2025, while 32.1 million had access to antiretroviral therapy. The organisation also reported significant reductions in new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths over the years, although major challenges remain. (UNAIDS)
For Benue, the latest figures present a significant public health challenge requiring coordinated action from the state government, health agencies, development partners, civil society organisations and communities.
Link : https://x.com/trusttv_news/status/2093737573684244934?s=20
Strengthening testing services, ensuring uninterrupted access to treatment, preventing mother-to-child transmission and expanding awareness campaigns will remain critical to reducing new infections and improving outcomes for people living with HIV.
The development also highlights the need to tackle stigma and discrimination, which can discourage people from seeking testing and treatment.
With nearly 200,000 cases reported, stakeholders in Benue face the challenge of turning the latest figures into renewed action aimed at prevention, early diagnosis, treatment and ultimately reducing the state’s HIV burden.
