Mapping of Most-At-Risk Populations (MARPs) for HIV infection in Benue State, North-central Nigeria

Benue State has one of the highest HIV prevalence rates in Nigeria, driven by a combination of high risk sexual behaviors and the presence of most-at-risk populations (MARPs). The mapping exercise aimed to provide accurate information on the size, location and characteristics of MARPs for HIV in key urban and semi-urban areas of the State, to help improve the scale, quality and impact of HIV prevention programs among these MARPs. A cross-sectional mapping study was conducted between April 2023 and February 2024 in ten local government areas (LGAs) of Benue State. The study utilized a two-stage approach: Level 1 involved interviews with key informants to identify hotspots, while Level 2 validated these locations. Data were managed using Microsoft Access and analyzed using descriptive statistics to estimate population sizes and distribution. The study identified 825 Female Sex Workers (FSWs) hotspots, 57 Men who have sex with men/Male Sex Workers (MSM/MSW) hotspots, and 32 IDU locations. The estimated population sizes were 10,034 FSWs, 1,018 MSM/MSWs, and 221 IDUs, with high-risk behaviors such as unprotected sex and needle sharing being prevalent. Makurdi, Gboko, and Otukpo had the highest concentrations of MARPs, with FSWs primarily operating in bars (32%) and hotels (28%), while MSM/MSWs were mostly found in home-based settings (31%). The findings highlight the urgent need for targeted HIV prevention interventions in high-prevalence LGAs, particularly focusing on harm reduction for IDUs and tailored outreach for FSWs and MSM/MSWs. The study provides evidence for policymakers to design effective, evidence-based responses to reduce HIV transmission in Benue State.

Key Words: HIV, MARP, mapping