HEALTH data and analytics organisation, Orodata Science, says no fewer than 406,216 people are currently living with HIV across Nigeria’s South-South region, underscoring the need for sustained awareness, testing, treatment and efforts to eliminate stigma.
The organisation disclosed this in a data update posted on its social media platforms, citing figures from the National Data Repository (NDR) for May 2026.
According to the data, Akwa Ibom State has the highest number of people living with HIV in the region with 159,267 cases, followed by Rivers State with 87,764.
The figures further showed that Cross River State recorded 58,256 cases, while Delta State had 52,395.
Edo State accounted for 29,283 cases, while Bayelsa State recorded the lowest figure in the region at 19,251.
Orodata Science noted that the statistics represented more than numbers, stressing that each figure reflected individuals, families and communities affected by the disease.
“Behind every number is a life that matters,” the organisation stated.
Public health experts have consistently emphasised that early testing, prompt initiation of treatment and adherence to antiretroviral therapy remain critical to reducing HIV-related deaths and preventing new infections.
Nigeria has made significant progress in expanding access to HIV treatment and prevention services in recent years through government interventions and support from development partners.
However, stakeholders say challenges such as stigma, discrimination and gaps in access to healthcare services continue to hinder efforts to achieve epidemic control in some communities.
They have called for increased public awareness, improved access to testing and treatment services, and stronger community engagement to ensure that people living with HIV receive the care and support they need.
The South-South region has historically been among the areas with a relatively high HIV burden, making sustained interventions and data-driven decision-making essential to the national HIV response.
