Observed annually on December 1, World AIDS Day aims to raise awareness, promote global solidarity, review progress in combating the epidemic, and reaffirm commitment to ending HIV. According to Dr. Ilori, Nigeria has already achieved two of the three 2030 global HIV targets, demonstrating meaningful progress in prevention, testing, and treatment.
The global 95-95-95 targets, set by the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS), aim for 95 per cent of people living with HIV to know their status, 95 per cent of those diagnosed to receive sustained antiretroviral therapy, and 95 per cent of those on treatment to achieve viral suppression.
“Over the past year, Nigeria has continued to record important achievements in its HIV response,” Ilori said. “We have maintained an impressive 87–98–95 performance toward the global targets, reflecting progress in diagnosis, treatment coverage, and viral suppression. Currently, 87 per cent of people living with HIV know their status, 98 per cent of those are on life-saving treatment, and 95 per cent on treatment have achieved viral suppression, meaning they cannot transmit HIV.”
Over the last decade, Nigeria has recorded a 46 per cent decline in new HIV infections, with more people living with HIV enrolled and retained in care than ever before. Despite these advances, Dr. Ilori acknowledged areas requiring continued attention, including state-led efforts to prevent mother-to-child transmission and enhance early infant diagnosis and paediatric treatment.
She also highlighted the resilience of Nigeria’s HIV response in the face of global disruptions, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, economic uncertainty, and fluctuating donor support. In 2024 alone, more than 204,000 individuals from key populations were actively receiving antiretroviral therapy, with strong viral suppression rates among those retained in care.
“Domestic resource mobilisation efforts are deepening, with several states increasing budget allocations and strengthening HIV Trust Funds to enhance sustainability and national ownership,” Ilori said. She noted that when global funding uncertainties threatened essential services, the federal government injected $200 million to ensure uninterrupted delivery of HIV prevention, testing, and treatment services.
Despite these successes, she cautioned that challenges remain, including ongoing stigma and discrimination, dependence on external funding, and limited access to services in hard-to-reach areas. Ilori called for increased domestic financing, stronger multisectoral coordination, and continued efforts to create safe and inclusive environments.
Representatives from international and national organisations echoed the call for sustained action. Gabriel Undelikwo of UNAIDS commended Nigeria’s leadership and local financing efforts, noting that achieving the 2030 goal will require sustained collaboration and community empowerment. Dr. Jay Samuels of APIN Public Health Initiatives reaffirmed his organisation’s commitment to closing treatment gaps, while WHO representative Omoniyi Amos emphasised the need to transform HIV response into sustainable, locally-led systems. Dr. Martin Edun of the Institute of Human Virology pledged continued support for scientific innovation, community-driven solutions, and strengthened health systems.
As Nigeria prepares to mark this year’s World AIDS Day, the message from health leaders is clear: progress has been substantial, but the journey to ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 continues.