The Lagos State Government has made a significant disclosure about the HIV situation in the state, revealing that approximately 160,000 residents are currently living with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus.
Official Announcement During World AIDS Day Preparations
This important revelation came from Dr. Folakemi Animashaun, the Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Aids Control Agency (LASACA), during a press conference held on Thursday to mark the upcoming 2025 World AIDS Day. The global theme for this year's commemoration is "Overcoming Disruptions: Sustaining Nigeria's HIV Response," which Dr. Animashaun noted resonates deeply with Lagos's current experience.
Dr. Animashaun acknowledged the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, emphasizing that his vision and commitment have been crucial in guiding the state's health initiatives. "His unwavering support strengthens both our health systems and community networks, ensuring that every effort to prevent, detect, and treat HIV is empowered and sustained," she stated.
Challenges and Community Resilience
The LASACA CEO highlighted significant challenges faced by community structures due to the Stop Work Order by the US government, which caused pauses in community activities and slowed essential interventions. These disruptions limited access to testing, counselling, and psychosocial support in several communities, particularly affecting adolescents, key populations, and individuals in hard-to-reach areas.
"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," Dr. Animashaun explained.
Despite these challenges, the resilience of community networks proved remarkable. Peer educators, support groups, youth advocates, faith-based partners, and civil society organizations quickly adapted by re-establishing outreach activities and maintaining communication with clients, ensuring that newly diagnosed individuals were linked to care without delay.
Current Statistics and Testing Campaign Results
According to the latest data covering January to September 2025, Lagos State currently has an estimated 160,000 residents living with HIV, with 147,466 persons on antiretroviral treatment. During this reporting period, a total of 222,415 tests were conducted, representing only about 28.9% of last year's testing volume, highlighting the significant impact of the stop-order directive on HIV testing services.
The ongoing Statewide Community HIV Testing Campaign, which began on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, has already demonstrated impressive results. To date, 9,943 residents have been tested, including 3,402 males and 6,541 females, with a positivity yield of 2.0%. All individuals who tested positive have been successfully linked to care.
Young adults aged 20-35 are leading the turnout, reflecting effective engagement of populations at higher risk of transmission. Women are showing strong participation, particularly in Ikorodu, Badagry, Ojo, and Mushin, demonstrating the success of market-based and community-cluster strategies.
World AIDS Day Activities and Future Plans
As part of this year's World AIDS Day agenda, LASACA has organized a series of activities designed to commemorate the day while actively engaging Lagosians in the HIV and AIDS response. The ongoing statewide HIV Testing Campaign remains the central activity, ensuring residents across all LGAs and LCDAs know their HIV status.
Other scheduled events include a Jumat Service on Friday, November 28, engaging Muslim communities; a novelty football match on Saturday, November 29, using sport as an education platform; a church service on Sunday, November 30 for Christian communities; and an awareness walk and empowerment programme on Monday, December 1.
The commemoration will conclude with the World AIDS Day Symposium on Tuesday, December 2, bringing together stakeholders, partners, health professionals, and community leaders for knowledge-sharing and dialogue to strengthen the HIV response in Lagos State.
