The Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA) has announced a comprehensive free HIV testing initiative across all local government areas as part of activities marking the 2025 World AIDS Day commemoration.
Statewide Testing Initiative
This ambitious program represents a key component of the state's preparations for the global health observance. The initiative underscores LSACA's commitment to expanding access to HIV testing services, promoting early diagnosis, and strengthening connections to care for those who test positive.
According to officials, the agency aims to close existing testing gaps while simultaneously increasing community awareness about HIV prevention, proper management, and reducing the stigma that often prevents people from getting tested.
Official Statement on Testing Importance
Dr. Folakemi Animashaun, the Chief Executive Officer of LSACA, emphasized the critical role of early testing in advancing the state's public health objectives. "As we approach the 2025 World AIDS Day, our priority is to ensure that every resident of Lagos has the opportunity to know their HIV status in a safe, confidential, and accessible manner," she stated.
Animashaun further explained that testing serves as the essential gateway to both prevention and treatment, noting that the statewide exercise demonstrates the government's commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of all Lagos residents.
Implementation and Resources
The LSACA CEO confirmed that the agency, in collaboration with development partners and community-based organizations, has deployed numerous resources to ensure successful implementation:
- Trained counselor-testers across testing locations
- Adequate supply of testing kits and condoms
- Information, education, and communication (IEC) materials
Animashaun encouraged residents to visit designated testing points within their Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas to access the free, confidential, and non-judgmental services.
She also highlighted ongoing government efforts to expand HIV testing and counseling centers while intensifying awareness campaigns aimed at preventing new infections and ensuring residents have access to comprehensive prevention, testing, and treatment resources.
National Investigation into Health Funding
In related health news, the House of Representatives has inaugurated an investigative hearing into over $4.6 billion in grants Nigeria received between 2021 and 2025 from international donors.
The funds include $1.8 billion from the Global Fund and $2.8 billion from USAID, allocated for combating HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and strengthening the country's health systems.
Amobi Godwin Ogah, Chairman of the House Committee on Infectious Diseases, stated that the probe is essential to determine how the substantial funds were utilized and to ensure accountability in managing resources intended to address major public health threats.
"Nigeria continues to suffer from the heavy burden of HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, and other infectious diseases. While donor funds are mobilised to combat these challenges, the impact on the ground remains limited," Ogah remarked during the hearing.
The investigation follows a House mandate issued on October 21, 2025, originally assigned to the Committee on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Control, which has since been renamed and given broader oversight of infectious disease matters.
