World AIDS Day: Lagos Reaffirms Commitment to Stronger HIV Response
The Lagos State Government has embarked on a mission to strengthen HIV prevention, testing, and treatment across the state, gearing up for World AIDS Day 2025. This commitment was emphasized by Dr. Folakemi Animashaun, CEO of the Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA), during a press briefing in Lagos.
The theme for this year's World AIDS Day, 'Overcoming Disruptions: Sustaining Nigeria's HIV Response,' reflects the state government's significant strides in enhancing healthcare systems and community structures over the past years. These efforts have been instrumental in fostering consistent progress in HIV control initiatives.
Dr. Animashaun highlighted the challenges faced in 2025, particularly the impact of the Stop Work Order issued by the United States government, which temporarily disrupted essential HIV services in several hard-to-reach areas. This interruption underscored the critical role of community engagement in the strength of any health response.
Despite these setbacks, community partners demonstrated remarkable resilience. Many quickly reorganized, resumed outreach efforts, and ensured that newly diagnosed individuals were connected to treatment. Dr. Animashaun praised their dedication, emphasizing that community networks, peer educators, support groups, youth advocates, faith organizations, and civil society groups remain the backbone of Lagos State's HIV response.
Dr. Animashaun provided an update on the HIV situation in Lagos State, revealing that approximately 160,000 residents are living with HIV, with 147,466 currently receiving antiretroviral treatment. Between January and September 2025, a total of 222,415 HIV tests were conducted, but this represented only 28.9% of the testing volume from the previous year, attributed to disruptions in community services.
However, the ongoing Statewide Community HIV Testing Campaign, launched on November 18, has shown promising results. So far, 9,943 residents have been tested, including 3,402 males and 6,541 females, with an overall positivity rate of 2%. All individuals who tested positive have been linked to care.
The campaign has witnessed strong participation among youths aged 20-35 and women in communities like Ikorodu, Badagry, Ojo, and Mushin. Dr. Animashaun noted that the detection of new cases confirms that HIV remains a significant public health concern, necessitating sustained vigilance.
To restore momentum, the Lagos State Community Recovery Plan is being fully implemented, encompassing intensified outreach in high-priority areas, reactivation of support groups, expanded multi-month drug dispensing for stable clients, and active tracking of individuals who have fallen out of care.
In celebration of World AIDS Day 2025, LSACA has organized a series of statewide engagements, including a Jumat service, a novelty football match, a church service, and an awareness walk with an empowerment program on December 1. A major focus of this year's commemoration is the fight against stigma and discrimination.
Dr. Animashaun emphasized, 'LSACA has expanded its sensitization efforts across markets, schools, faith institutions, and community clusters. No individual should ever feel excluded or dehumanized because of their HIV status. As we commemorate World AIDS Day 2025, let us strengthen community networks, support early testing, and commit to ensuring that every Lagos resident has access to care without fear or stigma.'
