Human immunodeficiency virus infection in Nigeria

ABSTRACT

Study of the increasing epidemic of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in Nigeria provides insight into the magnitude of its spread, and allows identification of particular population groups which must be the target for preventive measures and increased public awareness campaigns. We have reviewed records documenting the disease in Nigeria since the first case was reported in 1986. Prevalence surveys have allowed identification of the rate of increase in the infection in various regions of Nigeria, and among various population groups: blood donors, those attending ante-natal care clinics (ANC), those attending sexually transmitted diseases clinics (SDT), commercial sex workers (CSW), and patients with tuberculosis. We also reviewed the success of campaigns to increse awareness of AIDS in Nigeria. There were over 2 million cases of HIV infection in Nigeria in 1996, based on a national prevalence of 3.8 percent. The highest prevalence of infection was in the Middle Belt region of the country with 9.6 percent positivity of those tested in 1992, and 33.6 percent in 1994. Among blood donors, the percentage of those infected rose from 0 percent in 1987, to 4.4 percent in 1992, in one medical center; and in 1995, in ANC the prevalence ranged from 0.2 percent to 12.9 percent of mothers (median 5.0 percent). High rates of infection were recorded among CSW (71.3 percent in one region), those attending STD clinics (27.4 percent in one region), long-haul truck drivers and policemen. Patients with tuberculosis also had a high prevalence of infection. Public awareness and adequate surveillance data remain inadequate in view of the magnitude of the problem. Increased funding and judicious expenditures are essential to obtain and distribute accurate information in order to begin to resolve this epidemic.