Nigeria ranks as second largest HIV epidemic nation globally

Nigeria has been ranked as the second largest HIV Epidemic Nation in the world in 2016, with over 196,000 adolescents representing 10 per cent of the global burden said to be living with HIV/AIDS, according to a World Health Report.  

The report was delivered by Mrs Esther Samuel, The Chief Matron, Lagos State Ministry of Health, at a programme by a Non-governmental Organisation (NGO) Lisa Demi Project, in Lagos last week.  

Lisa Demi Project, initiated in the U.K., seeks to address sexual health issues through Talks, Counselling and Entertainment among others.  

The programme, titled “ Let’s Talk about Our Sexual Health’’ held at the Teslim Balogun Stadium Surulere, Lagos on Thursday, last week is targeted at teenagers between the ages 14 to 24.  

Speaking on the dangers of unrestrained sexual activities among the youths, Samuel said the statistics from the health sector remained a concern.

Nigeria has the second largest HIV epidemic. About 3.2 million people Nigerians were living with HIV in 2016, she said.

In Nigeria, over 196,000 adolescents, representing 10 per cent of the global burden, are said to be living with HIV/AIDS.

Also, 230,000 babies were born by girls aged 15 to 19 in 2015. This is a frightening report. However, 1 million STIs are acquired every day,’’she said.