The Lagos State Government has revealed that no fewer than 160,000 residents are currently living with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), according to the latest data covering January to September 2025.
The disclosure was made during the World AIDS Day 2025 press briefing held on Thursday by the Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA) in Alausa, Ikeja.
Presenting the state’s progress report, LSACA Chief Executive Officer, Dr Folakemi Animashaun, explained that the new figures represent updated estimates for the year.
“Between January and September 2025, Lagos recorded an estimated 160,000 people living with HIV. Of this number, 147,466 individuals are currently receiving antiretroviral therapy,” she said.
Animashaun praised Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his steadfast support for the state’s HIV response, noting that his administration’s commitment has strengthened health systems and community structures that deliver prevention, testing, and treatment services.
Speaking on the 2025 theme, ‘Overcoming Disruptions: Sustaining Nigeria’s HIV Response,’ she said the message reflects the challenges Lagos has faced this year, particularly after the Stop Work Order issued by the United States Government disrupted community-level HIV interventions.
In March, the U.S. Government terminated its partnership with the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), the global coalition driving efforts to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. The development followed President Donald Trump’s January Executive Order titled “Reevaluating and Realigning U.S. Foreign Aid,” which imposed a 90-day freeze on foreign assistance to allow a full review of America’s aid commitments.
According to Animashaun, the order had a direct impact on Lagos’ HIV response. “The suspension of community activities slowed down key services, restricting access to testing, counselling, and psychosocial support,” she noted, adding that vulnerable populations were hit hardest.
During the reporting period, Lagos conducted 222,415 HIV tests, only 28.9 per cent of the previous year’s testing volume, a sharp drop that highlights the depth of the disruption. She stressed that this decline “emphasises the urgent need to maintain strong community engagement and encourage early testing.”
Despite these setbacks, Animashaun commended community-based organisations for adapting quickly and restoring critical services. “Their resilience has helped the state recover lost ground,” she said.
Providing updates on the ongoing Statewide Community HIV Testing Campaign, which began on November 18, Animashaun said 9,943 residents have already been tested, with a 2.0 per cent positivity rate. All individuals who tested positive have been successfully linked to care.
She noted strong turnout from women, particularly in Ikorodu, Badagry, Ojo, and Mushin, crediting the success to targeted outreach in markets and densely populated community clusters.
“Positive cases continue to be identified across several local government areas, reaffirming that HIV remains a significant public health issue in Lagos State,” she said.
Animashaun also highlighted the state’s expanded anti-stigma initiatives and outlined activities planned for the World AIDS Day commemoration. These include a Jumat service, a novelty football match, church outreach, an awareness walk, and a stakeholder symposium.
She urged residents to join hands in sustaining the progress made. “With collective effort, we can strengthen the HIV response and build a healthier Lagos,” she said.
Comments
Post a Comment