HIV/AIDS remains a significant public health challenge in Africa, where millions of people continue to grapple with the impact of the virus. Despite global efforts to combat the spread of HIV/AIDS, the situation in some African countries remains critical. Below are the Top 10 African Countries With Hiv/Aids (2024)
Aids in Africa Statistics: Top 10 African Countries With the Highest Number of People Living with HIV/AIDS 2024
1. South Africa – 7.5 Million
South Africa consistently ranks high in HIV/AIDS prevalence, and in 2024, it remains a country with a substantial number of people living with the virus. The country accounts for a third of all new HIV infections in southern Africa. The South African government has implemented various programs to combat the epidemic, including widespread testing and treatment initiatives. The country has the largest Antio-Retroviral Therapy (ART) programme in the world, which has undergone even more expansion in recent years with the implementation of ‘test and treat’ guidelines.
2. Nigeria – 3.5 Million
Nigeria has the second largest HIV epidemic in the world and the second largest HIV epidemic in Africa, the nation also has one of the highest rates of new infection in sub-Saharan Africa.
As the most populous country in Africa, Nigeria faces significant challenges in tackling the HIV/AIDS epidemic. High population density, stigma, and limited access to healthcare contribute to the persistent prevalence of the virus. However, the government is actively working on awareness campaigns and treatment programs.
3. Kenya – 1.6 Million
Kenya has made commendable strides in the fight against HIV/AIDS, yet it still grapples with a significant number of people living with the virus. The country has the third highest HIV epidemic in Africa, with an adult prevalence rate of 4.0%.
4. Mozambique – 1.8 Million
Mozambique is among the countries in Africa that’s heavily affected by HIV/AIDS. The country has the fourth highest number of people living with HIV/AIDS in Africa. Factors such as poverty, limited education, and a high incidence of other infectious diseases contribute to the challenges in controlling the spread of the virus. Efforts are being made to improve access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and enhance public awareness.
5. Tanzania – 1.4 million
Tanzania has an estimated 1,400,000 people living with HIV, and an adult prevalence rate of 4.5% making it the fifth country with the highest number of people living with HIV/AIDS in Africa. The government is working towards strengthening healthcare systems and implementing targeted interventions to address the diverse challenges faced by different communities.
6. Uganda – 1.4 Million
While Uganda was once the epicenter of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, the country has made significant progress in recent years. However, challenges such as limited resources and a growing population continue to impact the effectiveness of prevention and treatment programs.
As of recently, the estimated HIV prevalence among adults (aged 15 to 49) stood at 5.2%. Women are disproportionately affected, with 8.8% of adult women living with HIV compared to 14.3% of men.
7. Zimbabwe – 1.3 Million
Zimbabwe has one of the highest HIV prevalences in sub-Saharan Africa at 11.6%, with 1.3 million people living with HIV/AIDS.
Zimbabwe, like many Southern African countries, is dealing with a high prevalence of HIV/AIDS. Economic challenges and limited healthcare infrastructure pose obstacles to effective prevention and treatment. However, ongoing efforts focus on improving accessibility to healthcare services.
8. Zambia – 1.2 Million
Zambia has the 8th highest number of people living with HIV/AIDS in Africa. To curb the prevalence, the government, in collaboration with international partners, is implementing comprehensive strategies to address the multifaceted challenges associated with the virus.
9. Malawi – 1 Million
Malawi’s HIV prevalence is one of the highest in the world, with an estimated one million Malawians living with HIV/AIDS.
10. Cameroon – 560,000
Cameroon holds the tenth position among the Top 10 African Countries with HIV/AIDS in 2024. Presently, out of the 560,000 individuals living with HIV, approximately 37% to 43% have access to antiretroviral therapy.
African Countries With the Highest Prevalence of HIV (% of population ages 15-49)
| Rank | Country | Prevalence Rate (% of population ages 15-49) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eswatini | 27.9 |
| 2 | Lesotho | 20.9 |
| 3 | Botswana | 18.6 |
| 4 | South Africa | 18.3 |
| 5 | Namibia | 11.8 |
| 6 | Zimbabwe | 11.6 |
| 7 | Zambia | 10.8 |
| 8 | Malawi | 7.7 |
| 9 | Equatorial Guinea | 6.9 |
| 10 | Uganda | 5.2 |
| 11 | Tanzania | 4.5 |
Revised in March 2024.
