Over 160,000 Lagos Residents Living with HIV

Over 147,000 Lagos Residents on HIV Treatment
…Testing Campaign Continues
…Says 147,000 Lagos Residents on HIV Treatment

The Lagos State government has revealed that approximately 160,000 residents are living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in the state.

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Eko Hot Blog reports that Dr Folakemi Animashaun, Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA), disclosed the figure during a press conference to mark World AIDS Day 2025, themed “Overcoming Disruptions: Sustaining Nigeria’s HIV Response.”

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Animashaun praised the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, noting that his vision and commitment have guided the state’s health initiatives. “His unwavering support strengthens our health systems and community networks, ensuring that every effort to prevent, detect, and treat HIV is empowered and sustained,” she said.

She explained that while hospitals and treatment centres continued to provide care, community structures faced disruptions due to a US Stop Work Order, which limited access to testing, counselling, and psychosocial support in several areas. Adolescents, key populations, and residents in hard-to-reach communities were particularly affected.

“These interruptions underscored a fundamental truth: the strength of any health response is measured not only by what happens within clinics but also by the reach, trust, and continuity of community engagement,” Animashaun said.

Despite these challenges, she said community networks demonstrated resilience, quickly adapting to restore outreach activities and maintain contact with clients. “Peer educators, support groups, youth advocates, faith-based partners, community structures, and civil society organisations have ensured that newly diagnosed individuals are linked to care without delay,” she added.

Between January and September 2025, Lagos recorded 160,000 residents living with HIV, with 147,466 on antiretroviral treatment. During the same period, 222,415 tests were conducted, representing about 28.9 percent of the previous year’s testing. This decline highlighted the impact of the stop-order directive on HIV services and the need for sustained community engagement.

The ongoing Statewide Community HIV Testing Campaign, launched on 18 November 2025, has already tested 9,943 residents, including 3,402 males and 6,541 females, with a positivity rate of 2 percent. Those who tested positive have been linked to care. Young adults aged 20–35 led turnout, while women showed strong participation in Ikorodu, Badagry, Ojo, and Mushin, demonstrating the success of market-based and community-cluster strategies.

Animashaun stressed the importance of community-driven testing and support in early diagnosis, timely treatment, and prevention. She said these efforts are helping Lagos regain momentum and strengthen the HIV response despite earlier disruptions.

As part of World AIDS Day, LSACA has organised a series of activities to raise awareness, promote early detection, and strengthen community resilience. These include:

A Jumat service on 28 November, engaging Muslim communities to promote testing and reduce stigma.
A novelty football match on 29 November, using sport to educate and encourage testing.
A church service on 30 November, engaging Christian communities in solidarity and reflection.
An awareness walk and empowerment programme on 1 December, providing direct community education and empowering women and youth.
A World AIDS Day Symposium on 2 December, bringing together stakeholders, partners, health professionals, and community leaders to share knowledge and strategies.

“The symposium underscores the importance of collaboration across all sectors and faith communities in overcoming disruptions and sustaining Lagos State’s HIV response,” Animashaun said.