- Lagos has launched an HIV awareness programme for persons with hearing and visual impairments
- The initiative aims to improve access to HIV prevention and healthcare services.
- Officials urged greater inclusion of persons with disabilities in public health programmes
The Lagos State Government has organised a specialised HIV and AIDS awareness programme for people living with hearing and visual impairments as part of efforts to promote inclusive healthcare and remove barriers to essential health services.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the initiative organised by the Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA), brought together members of the disability community, healthcare professionals and advocacy groups at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry to improve awareness of HIV prevention, combat stigma and expand access to health information and services.
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Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of LSACA, Dr. Folakemi Animashaun, said the programme reflects the state’s commitment to ensuring that every resident, regardless of physical ability, has equal access to quality healthcare.
She noted that achieving the goal of ending HIV as a public health threat requires addressing the unique obstacles faced by persons with disabilities.
According to Animashaun, communication difficulties, inaccessible healthcare facilities, discrimination and social exclusion continue to limit access to HIV prevention, testing and treatment services for many people with disabilities.
She explained that the sensitisation programme was designed to educate participants on HIV prevention, testing, treatment and care while reinforcing their right to receive healthcare without discrimination.
Animashaun stressed that no one should be excluded from the state’s HIV response, adding that the experiences and contributions of persons with disabilities are vital to building a more inclusive healthcare system.
Participants also received lectures on the HIV situation in Lagos, stigma and discrimination, gender-based violence and the rights of persons living with disabilities.
The programme included practical demonstrations on HIV self-testing and the correct use of condoms, as well as information on available healthcare referral and support services.
Animashaun reaffirmed LSACA’s commitment to strengthening partnerships that promote disability-inclusive healthcare and expanding access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support services across the state.
She encouraged participants to become advocates for HIV awareness and inclusion within their communities, noting that collective efforts remain essential in eliminating discrimination and improving healthcare access.
One of the participants, Kingsley Njoku, described the programme as timely and impactful, saying persons with disabilities are often left out of public health campaigns.
He commended the Lagos State Government for recognising the needs of the disability community and urged authorities to sustain similar initiatives to ensure equal access to healthcare information and services.
The awareness programme forms part of the state’s broader strategy to reduce HIV-related stigma, improve public awareness and ensure that vulnerable groups are fully included in healthcare interventions.
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