Lagos State Government Reports Over 160,000 Residents Living With HIV In Lagos Amidst Ongoing Health Challenges

 

The Lagos State Government has revealed that approximately 160,000 residents are currently living with HIV, according to the latest figures shared by the Lagos State AIDS Control Agency during the 2025 World AIDS Day press briefing. The report, which covers data from January to September 2025, indicates that 147,466 individuals are actively receiving antiretroviral therapy.

Dr Folakemi Animashaun, the Chief Executive Officer of LSACA, addressed journalists at Alausa, Ikeja, providing insights into the state’s ongoing HIV response. She emphasized the critical support of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, noting that his leadership strengthens both health infrastructure and community networks, enabling prevention, detection, and treatment initiatives to remain effective and sustainable.

The theme for this year’s commemoration, “Overcoming Disruptions: Sustaining Nigeria’s HIV Response,” reflects challenges faced locally, particularly following interruptions caused by international funding adjustments. Earlier in the year, the United States Government halted its agreement with the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, a key initiative leading global efforts to end AIDS by 2030. President Donald Trump’s Executive Order, “Reevaluating and Realigning U.S. Foreign Aid,” imposed a 90-day freeze on foreign assistance, affecting HIV interventions at the community level.

Animashaun noted that these pauses significantly slowed testing, counseling, and psychosocial support, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations. During the reporting period, Lagos conducted 222,415 HIV tests, representing only 28.9 percent of the previous year’s output, underlining the impact of these disruptions.

Despite these setbacks, community groups have adapted quickly to restore services. Animashaun praised their dedication, highlighting the agency’s ongoing Statewide Community HIV Testing Campaign launched on November 18. So far, the campaign has screened 9,943 residents, with a 2.0 percent positivity yield, and all positive cases have been linked to care. Women’s participation has been particularly strong in areas including Ikorodu, Badagry, Ojo, and Mushin, demonstrating the effectiveness of market-based and community-cluster testing strategies.

The agency’s efforts also focus on reducing stigma and promoting awareness. Activities planned for World AIDS Day include a Jumat service, a novelty football match, church outreach, an awareness walk, and a stakeholder symposium. Animashaun stressed that identifying positive cases across multiple local government areas reaffirms HIV as a continuing public health concern in Lagos.

The LSACA chief concluded with a call for collective action, underscoring that sustaining testing, early detection, and strong community support remains essential for a healthier Lagos. She reiterated that continued collaboration between government agencies, community organizations, and residents is crucial to overcoming disruptions and ensuring that the state maintains momentum in its HIV response.