A statement by Nigerian doctor, Abdulsalam Nuhu, has triggered widespread reactions online after he suggested that many married women living with HIV may have contracted the virus from their husbands.
In a post shared on X, the doctor wrote:
“Once you see a married woman with HIV, chances are she got it from her husband.”
He described the situation as particularly painful, arguing that such women may face both the emotional trauma of betrayal and the burden of living with a lifelong medical condition.
The comment has since divided opinions.
Many people agreed, citing cases where faithful wives reportedly became infected after their husbands engaged in risky sexual behaviour outside marriage. Others strongly disagreed, arguing that HIV transmission is complex and cannot be reduced to one narrative or gender.
Health experts have consistently warned that HIV can affect anyone and may be transmitted through unprotected sex, contaminated blood, shared needles, and mother to child transmission. Medical professionals also stress the importance of regular testing, mutual fidelity, early treatment, and open communication between partners.
The controversy has reignited conversations about trust in marriage, sexual health, HIV awareness, and personal responsibility within relationships.
Do you agree with the doctor, or do you think his statement is an unfair generalisation?
