HIV/AIDS remains a significant global public health concern, with Nigeria bearing one of the highest burdens worldwide. With an estimated 1.9 million people living with HIV (PLHIV), Nigeria ranks third globally, despite notable progress in reducing prevalence and expanding access to antiretroviral therapy (ART). National data indicate a decline in HIV prevalence from 3.4% in 2013 to 1.4% among adults aged 15–49 years in 2019, reflecting the impact of sustained interventions, including improved treatment coverage and viral suppression. Currently, approximately 85% of PLHIV in Nigeria are on ART, positioning the country toward achieving epidemic control targets. However, the persistence of new infections highlights the need for more refined and targeted strategies. While existing approaches such as index testing and risk stratification have improved case identification, they are insufficient in isolation for interrupting ongoing transmission. Surveillance of recent HIV infections among newly diagnosed individuals provides a critical opportunity to better understand transmission dynamics, identify high-risk populations, and detect geographic hotspots of active spread. This study emphasizes the importance of integrating recent infection surveillance into routine HIV programming in Nigeria. By distinguishing newly acquired infections from long-standing cases, health systems can more effectively tailor prevention and intervention strategies, optimize resource allocation, and strengthen epidemic response efforts. Such an approach is essential for sustaining progress, enhancing early diagnosis, and ultimately reducing HIV incidence. In conclusion, leveraging surveillance data on recent infections is pivotal to advancing Nigeria’s HIV control agenda. It enables evidence-based decision-making and supports the design of targeted interventions necessary to achieve and sustain epidemic control.
Okafor et al. (Sat,) studied this question.