Nigeria has recorded significant progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS, meeting two out of three global targets set by UNAIDS for 2030, according to the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA). While the country has expanded testing and treatment coverage, ensuring millions of people living with HIV know their status and access antiretroviral therapy, it continues to face challenges in achieving viral suppression, a crucial step toward ending the epidemic.
Understanding the Global HIV Targets
The UNAIDS 95-95-95 framework sets ambitious goals for countries to end HIV/AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
95% of people living with HIV should know their status.
95% of those diagnosed should be on sustained antiretroviral therapy (ART).
95% of those on treatment should achieve viral suppression.
Meeting all three targets is considered essential to reducing transmission rates and improving the quality of life for people living with HIV.
Nigeria’s Progress So Far
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja ahead of World AIDS Day (December 1, 2025), NACA Director-General Dr. Temitope Ilori announced that Nigeria has successfully met the first two targets.
Testing Coverage: A majority of Nigerians living with HIV now know their status, thanks to expanded testing campaigns across urban and rural areas.
Treatment Access: Those diagnosed are increasingly placed on ART, with improved distribution networks ensuring availability in most states.
However, the country has not yet achieved the third target of viral suppression. This means that while many patients are on treatment, a significant proportion still have detectable levels of the virus, leaving them vulnerable to complications and capable of transmitting HIV.
Challenges Ahead
Dr. Ilori highlighted several obstacles preventing Nigeria from achieving full viral suppression:
Treatment adherence issues, with some patients struggling to consistently take medication.
Weak monitoring systems, making it difficult to track patient progress.
Stigma and discrimination, discouraging individuals from seeking care.
Funding gaps, as international donor support declines and domestic resources remain stretched.
She stressed that overcoming these barriers will require stronger collaboration between government agencies, civil society, and international partners.
Global Context
Nigeria remains one of the countries most affected by HIV/AIDS, with an estimated 1.9–2 million people living with the virus. While progress on testing and treatment is commendable, experts warn that failure to achieve viral suppression could undermine long-term success.
Globally, several countries have already met all three targets, demonstrating that with sustained investment and political will, the 2030 goal is achievable. Nigeria’s partial success places it among nations making strides but still facing critical gaps.
Official Statement
Dr. Ilori reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to “overcoming disruption and sustaining the HIV response.” She noted that the government is working to expand community-based interventions, strengthen supply chains for ART, and integrate technology-driven monitoring systems.
She added that World AIDS Day would serve as a reminder of the progress made and the work still required to ensure no one is left behind in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
