- Lagos First Lady Officially Opens 7th National Council on AIDS
- … Urges Bold, Sustainable Action for Nigeria’s HIV Response
- Dr. Animashaun also expressed deep gratitude to the First Lady for her steadfast support of health equity
The First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs.) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has formally inaugurated the 7th National Council on AIDS (NCA), urging for bold, coordinated, and lasting efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s HIV response amid changing global donor priorities.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the high-level council meeting, which runs from August 5 to 7, 2025, at the Landmark Event Centre in Lagos, is themed “Advancing the HIV Sustainability Agenda in the Changing Global Policy on Aid.”
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Organised in collaboration with the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), the event gathers key stakeholders from across the country to design a resilient and self-reliant strategy for the national HIV response.
Delivering her keynote address, Dr. Sanwo-Olu described the theme as both relevant and urgent. She stressed that as global aid declines, Nigeria must develop internal resilience to sustain progress in its fight against HIV.
“This gathering allows critical voices from around the country to explore how best to enhance our national HIV response in a shifting global health environment,” she stated.
The First Lady highlighted the need for a multi-sector approach, particularly to protect vulnerable groups such as young women and girls who are most affected by the HIV epidemic.
“As the First Lady of Lagos State, I remain committed to tackling the unique challenges faced by women and girls. Long-term sustainability is vital for our HIV efforts as it builds local capacity and fosters community ownership,” she added.
Dr. Sanwo-Olu praised the work of NACA and state agencies, encouraging participants to question outdated assumptions and adopt innovative, community-centered strategies. She also referenced the “Free to Shine” campaign initiated by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, which aims to eliminate HIV, hepatitis, and syphilis in all six geopolitical zones.
She confirmed Lagos State’s active involvement in the program.
Also speaking at the opening session, Dr. Folakemi Animashaun, Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA), called on stakeholders to take full advantage of this critical moment to reposition Nigeria’s HIV response in light of reduced foreign assistance.
“Millions of Nigerians still require uninterrupted and stigma-free access to life saving HIV services,” said Dr. Animashaun. “While Lagos is not without challenges, we are intentional in our efforts.”
She detailed several strategic moves under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s leadership, including expanding access to Pre Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), piloting long acting injectable HIV treatments, and improving data and budgeting systems to align with national goals.
“We are reinforcing healthcare systems across all 20 local government areas and 37 local council development areas, with an emphasis on integrated services,” she said. “This includes linking HIV programs with mental health, sexual and reproductive health, and gender based violence response.”
Dr. Animashaun also expressed deep gratitude to the First Lady for her steadfast support of health equity, particularly in protecting the dignity and welfare of women, children, and other at risk groups.
