Over 76,000 People Living With HIV in Edo, Only 29,283 on Treatment

About 76,000 people are estimated to be living with HIV in Edo State, while 29,283 were on treatment as of May 2026.

The figure shows that HIV remains a serious health issue in the state, especially as many people may still be living with the virus without knowing their status or without being on treatment.

A study on the HIV burden across Nigeria estimated that 76,676 people were living with HIV in Edo State.

The study, which used 2022 data, also placed the possible number between 64,121 and 89,679.

However, the number of people captured on treatment is much lower.

Data from Nigeria’s National Data Repository showed that 29,283 people were receiving HIV treatment in Edo as of May 2026.

This means there is still a wide gap between the estimated number of people living with the virus and those currently on treatment.

The treatment figure is also lower than what was recorded in some other South-South states.

Akwa Ibom had 159,267 people on treatment, Rivers had 87,764, Cross River had 58,256, while Delta had 52,395.

Bayelsa recorded 19,251, while Edo had 29,283.

The figures do not mean that everyone estimated to be living with HIV in Edo has been tested or officially identified.

Some people may be living with the virus without knowing their status, while others may have tested positive but are not currently on treatment.

This makes regular HIV testing important, especially for people who are sexually active or have been exposed to possible risks.

Health groups in Edo have also raised concerns over access to treatment in some parts of the state.

The Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria recently reported shortages of HIV drugs and other health commodities in some facilities.

The group also said some residents in places like Jattu, Iyakpi and Uromi travel long distances before they can access HIV and tuberculosis treatment.

The situation has raised fresh concern over how easy it is for patients to get tested, start treatment and continue taking their drugs without interruption.

People living with HIV can live healthy lives when they are diagnosed early and stay on treatment.

The bigger concern for Edo is not only the number of people living with HIV, but also how many know their status and how many are getting regular treatment.