HIV/AIDS: A Fact Sheet on Nigeria download file "HIV/AIDS: A Fact Sheet on Nigeria">>

Read a two-page fact sheet with statistics about HIV/AIDS in Nigeria.  Information is included on the number of people living with HIV/AIDS, children orphaned by HIV/AIDS, discrimination, access to treatment, and the cost of antiretrovirals.

About HIV/AIDS In Nigeria

Of the 42 million people currently living with HIV worldwide, over 30 million live in sub-Saharan Africa, and of those, at least 4 million are in immediate need of antiretroviral (ARV) therapy. Less than one percent of this population in need has access to such medications.

Nigeria has one of the largest HIV populations of any African country – 4 million

According to UNAIDS, the estimated HIV prevalence rate in Nigeria is 5.8%.

The World Health Organization estimates that there are 17,000 people on ARV treatment in Nigeria, which make up only 3% of those who need treatment.

The life expectancy in Nigeria is 48 years.

Nigeria is ranked among the 13 poorest countries in the world.

In the U.S., the number of physicians per 100,000 persons is 279; in Nigeria it is 19.

The Starfish Project partners with clinics at two teaching hospitals in Southwest Nigeria, one in Sagamu town and one in Ife town. At each site, the project works with a team of physicians and nurses, and community health aides to carry out the work. In Sagamu, there had never been a support group for people living with HIV/AIDS until our program began. In the beginning, a few hesitant people came to the group, but were very shy about talking out loud or being seen by others. Today, over 100 people are part of the group.

People travel for up to 100 miles to come to the clinic in Sagamu.

To learn more about HIV/AIDS in Nigeria, go to our Resources page

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