News

Lagos, Benue lead as Nigeria reports 20,838 new HIV cases in Q1 2026

Published

7 months ago

April 1, 2026

Nigeria reported a total of 20,838 new HIV infections between January and March 2026, with Lagos and Benue states emerging as the most affected, according to figures from the National Data Repository.

Lagos recorded the highest number of cases at 2,298, while Benue followed closely with 1,949. Akwa Ibom ranked third with 1,159 cases, trailed by Rivers with 1,137 and Anambra with 1,013.

In the northern region, Kaduna posted 842 cases, while Kano recorded 476. Other states with notable figures include Delta (803), Oyo (763), Ogun (751), Plateau (662), Imo (640), and Nasarawa (615).

The Federal Capital Territory logged 579 cases, while Abia and Edo reported 527 and 512 cases respectively. Ebonyi recorded 253 cases, Gombe 252, and Borno 238. Ekiti had 129 cases, Sokoto 110, and Yobe reported the lowest figure at 100.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government recently announced a commitment of $346 million in co-financing for 2026 to boost HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria interventions.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, made this known during the national rollout of Lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable used for HIV prevention.

“In the context of this major bilateral funder, the co-financing for 2026 is almost 346 million dollars additional.

“Mr President has already directed the Budget Office of the Federation to ensure that it is captured in the 2026 budget,” Pate said.

He noted that the funding would support key areas such as medical supplies, laboratory surveillance, reagents, expansion of primary healthcare, and financial protection for citizens.

“That means that some of the commodity costs, the laboratory surveillance costs, the reagents, primary health care, expansion of financial protection should be included,” he said.

Pate added that the investment signals Nigeria’s growing focus on domestic funding as global health financing becomes more constrained.

“The global space is changing right in front of our eyes. Financing has become limited globally and constrained in many countries, including Nigeria.

“While we have had tremendous success over the last 25 years thanks to global partnerships, the headwinds we are facing in terms of the changing global landscape force us to think differently,” he said.

He further stressed the importance of innovation and efficiency, noting that advancements such as Lenacapavir would strengthen ongoing efforts to control HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria in the country.

News

Oshoala Scores as Al Hilal Cruise to 4-0 Away Victory Over NEOM

Published

1 hour ago

November 6, 2026

PlateauReports

Super Falcons striker Asisat Oshoala was on target as Al Hilal produced an impressive 4-0 away victory over NEOM, with fellow Nigerian international Christy Ucheibe also featuring in the convincing performance.

Sports247 reports that Oshoala continued her contribution to Al Hilal’s attacking campaign by finding the back of the net in the 65th minute, helping the visitors strengthen their advantage in a dominant display.

The Nigerian forward’s goal came during an impressive second-half performance from Al Hilal, who added three goals after the interval to complete a comprehensive victory.

Moroccan forward Ibtissam Jraidi opened the scoring in the 11th minute, giving Al Hilal an early advantage before the teams went into the break.

Oshoala doubled the visitors’ lead in the 65th minute before Manar Al-Anzi made it 3-0 just four minutes later.

Jraidi then completed her brace in the 88th minute, sealing the emphatic 4-0 result for Al Hilal.

Christy Ucheibe, Oshoala’s Super Falcons teammate, also played a part in the victory as the Nigerian duo continued to make their contributions to the Saudi Arabian club.

The result represents another important outing for Al Hilal, with the team’s attacking quality evident in the performance against NEOM.

For Oshoala, the goal provides another opportunity to demonstrate her goalscoring ability and importance at club level. The six-time African Women’s Player of the Year remains one of Nigeria’s most recognisable football exports, and her performances continue to attract attention.

The presence of both Oshoala and Ucheibe in Al Hilal’s squad also highlights the growing influence of Nigerian players in women’s football outside the country.

With the emphatic away victory secured, Al Hilal will look to build on the performance in their subsequent fixtures.

News

CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE: PUBLIC VOTING OPENS FOR PMYA @12 — THE STANDARD

Published

2 hours ago

November 6, 2026

PlateauReports

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VOTING IS NOW OPEN!

The nominations have been received, the nominees have been unveiled, and now it’s your turn to make your voice count!

Voting for PMYA @12 — THE STANDARD is officially open and runs until 14 November 2026.

This is your opportunity to vote for the individuals and organisations whose leadership, service, achievements and contributions have made a meaningful difference in Plateau State.

Know a nominee whose work deserves recognition? Cast your vote and show your support.

Public voting is an important part of the PMYA recognition process. While public votes contribute to the assessment, popularity alone does not determine the final outcome. Final selections remain subject to independent judging and final adjudication.

Voting Period: 5–14 November 2026

For voting guidelines and full participation visit; https://pmya.coamedia.com.ng/vote/

CAST YOUR VOTE. SUPPORT MERIT. LET IMPACT SPEAK.

PMYA @12 — THE STANDARD
Leadership Beyond Politics: Building a Legacy for Future Generations.

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