- Lagos Strengthens Disability-Inclusive Healthcare Through HIV Sensitisation
- Persons With Disabilities Receive HIV Prevention, Care Education
- Reaffirms Commitment to Inclusive Healthcare
The Lagos State Government, through the Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA), has intensified efforts to promote inclusive healthcare by organising a sensitisation programme on HIV prevention, stigma reduction and access to healthcare services for persons living with hearing and visual impairments.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the event, held at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), brought together members of the disability community, healthcare stakeholders and advocates to improve awareness of HIV prevention while addressing barriers that often limit access to health information and services for persons with disabilities.
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Speaking at the programme, the Chief Executive Officer of LSACA, Dr. Folakemi Animashaun, said the initiative underscored the state government’s commitment to ensuring that all residents, regardless of physical ability, have equal access to quality healthcare and essential health information.
She noted that while Lagos continues to pursue its goal of ending HIV as a public health threat, it is crucial to address the unique challenges faced by persons with disabilities, including communication difficulties, limited access to disability-friendly health facilities, stigma, discrimination and social exclusion.
According to her, the programme was designed to equip participants with knowledge on HIV prevention, testing, treatment and care, while also educating them about their rights to access healthcare services without fear of discrimination.
Dr. Animashaun explained that participants received information on the current HIV situation in Lagos State, HIV prevention and treatment, gender-based violence, stigma and discrimination, as well as the rights of persons with disabilities within the healthcare system.
The sensitisation exercise also featured practical demonstrations on HIV self-testing and proper condom use, alongside guidance on referral channels for accessing healthcare and support services.
She encouraged participants to actively share their experiences and contribute to discussions, stressing that their insights are essential to developing a more inclusive and responsive HIV intervention strategy in the state.
“Your voices and experiences are important in helping us build a healthcare system that is truly inclusive and accessible to all residents,” she said.
Dr. Animashaun reaffirmed LSACA’s commitment to expanding access to HIV prevention, testing, treatment, care and support services, adding that the agency would continue to strengthen partnerships and advocate for disability-inclusive healthcare policies.
She also urged participants to serve as advocates for HIV prevention, inclusion and stigma reduction within their communities, noting that collective efforts are necessary to build a society where everyone enjoys equal access to healthcare and opportunities.
One of the participants, Kingsley Njoku, described the programme as timely and impactful, noting that persons with disabilities should be included in all government health initiatives.
“HIV does not discriminate against anyone. We appreciate LSACA for ensuring that persons with disabilities are not left behind and we hope such engagements will continue,” he said.
The sensitisation programme forms part of LSACA’s broader strategy to reduce HIV-related stigma and discrimination while ensuring that all Lagos residents, including vulnerable groups, have access to the information and services needed to lead healthy and productive lives.
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