Medical experts have identified poverty as one of the major factors fuelling new HIV infections in Nigeria, warning that economic hardship, declining donor support, and reduced public awareness campaigns are threatening years of progress in the country’s fight against the virus.
The doctors raised the concerns amid growing fears that gains made over the past two decades in HIV prevention, treatment, and public education could be reversed if urgent interventions are not implemented.
According to the health professionals, worsening economic conditions have increased the vulnerability of many Nigerians, particularly women, adolescents, and other at-risk populations, making them more susceptible to HIV infection.
They explained that poverty often limits access to healthcare services, HIV testing, preventive measures, and treatment, while also contributing to risky behaviours driven by financial hardship.
The experts also expressed concern over the decline in international donor funding for HIV programmes, noting that many initiatives previously supported by development partners have experienced funding reductions as global health priorities shift.
They warned that diminished financial support could affect the availability of HIV prevention services, testing, counselling, treatment, and community outreach programmes that have played a significant role in reducing transmission rates over the years.
In addition to funding challenges, the doctors highlighted a decline in sustained public awareness campaigns, saying many Nigerians especially young people are no longer exposed to consistent education on HIV prevention, safe practices, and the importance of early testing.
According to them, reduced public engagement has contributed to misconceptions about the virus and lower risk perception among sections of the population, increasing the likelihood of new infections.
The medical professionals urged federal and state governments to increase domestic funding for HIV programmes to reduce dependence on foreign donors and ensure continuity of essential health services.
They also called for renewed investment in public education campaigns, particularly through schools, community organisations, religious institutions, traditional leaders, and the media, to improve awareness and encourage preventive behaviour.
Furthermore, the experts advocated expanded access to HIV testing, antiretroviral therapy, prevention of mother-to-child transmission services, and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for individuals at substantial risk of infection.
They stressed that tackling poverty should form part of Nigeria’s broader HIV response, arguing that economic empowerment, improved access to education, and strengthened social protection programmes could significantly reduce the social and economic conditions that contribute to the spread of the virus.
Nigeria continues to carry one of the world’s largest HIV burdens, although significant progress has been made in expanding access to life-saving treatment and reducing AIDS-related deaths over the past two decades. Public health experts caution, however, that sustaining these gains will require increased government investment, stronger healthcare systems, and continuous public engagement.
The doctors concluded that reversing the current trend will depend on a comprehensive approach that combines healthcare interventions with poverty reduction, improved funding, and widespread awareness efforts. They warned that without sustained commitment from government, development partners, and communities, Nigeria risks losing much of the progress achieved in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
