The Lagos State government on Thursday revealed that there are about 160,000 residents living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

The Chief Executive Officer of Lagos State Aids Control Agency (LASCA), Dr Folakemi Animashaun, disclosed this during a press conference to mark 2025 World Aids Day, themed “Overcoming Disruptions: Sustaining Nigeria’s HIV Response”.

Animashaun acknowledged the steadfast leadership of the governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, whose vision and commitment, she said, have continued to guide 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 said.

She noted that the theme resonates deeply with the shared experience in Lagos, reflecting both the challenges and the resilience of the communities.
“In 2025, while our hospitals and treatment centres continued to provide uninterrupted care, our community structures—the heartbeat of Lagos State’s HIV response—faced significant challenges due to the Stop Work Order by the US government. These pauses in community activities slowed essential interventions,

limiting access to testing, counselling, and psychosocial support in several communities. Many residents, particularly adolescents, key populations, and individuals in hard-to-reach areas, experienced delays in accessing services that are often a lifeline for early detection and care.

“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. When these connections falter, the opportunities for early diagnosis, timely treatment, and prevention education are reduced, and the most vulnerable populations feel the impact first.

“Yet, even in the face of these challenges, the resilience and dedication of our community networks shone brightly. Peer educators, support groups, youth advocates, faith-based partners, community structures, and civil society organisations quickly adapted, slowly re-establishing outreach activities, maintaining communication with clients, and ensuring that those newly diagnosed were linked to care without delay. Their unwavering commitment has allowed Lagos to regain lost momentum, restoring trust, reconnecting with individuals who had fallen out of care, and demonstrating that community-driven action is essential to sustaining the HIV response.

“As of January to September 2025, Lagos State currently has an estimated 160,000 residents living with HIV, of whom 147,466 persons are on antiretroviral treatment. During this reporting period, a total of 222,415 tests were conducted. Compared to the same period last year, this represents about 28.9 per cent of last year’s testing, highlighting the significant impact of the stop-order directive on HIV testing services. This reinforces the need to sustain engagement, early testing, and strong community support remain critical.

“Our ongoing Statewide Community HIV Testing Campaign, which began on Tuesday, 18th November 2025, is already demonstrating remarkable impact across Lagos State. To date, a total of 9,943 residents have been tested, including 3,402 males and 6,541 females, with a positivity yield of 2.0 per cent. Those who tested positive were linked to care. This campaign highlights the power of sustained, community-driven outreach. Young adults aged 20–35 are leading 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. Positive cases have been identified across multiple LGAs, confirming that HIV remains a disease of public health concern in the state.

“These early results also reinforce a critical message: when communities are mobilised, tested, and supported, we can identify cases early, link individuals to treatment, and strengthen prevention efforts. The resilience and dedication of our community networks have ensured that even after prior interruptions, Lagos is regaining momentum, reaching more residents, and safeguarding the health of the state’s most vulnerable populations.

“As part of this year’s World AIDS Day agenda, LSACA has organised a series of activities designed not only to commemorate the day but also to inspire, inform, and actively engage Lagosians in the HIV and AIDS response. Each event is carefully planned to foster awareness, early detection, and strengthened community resilience. HIV awareness and prevention efforts are being strengthened through religious leaders, market women, in-school platforms, and social media initiatives targeting youth.”

Animashaun stated that the ongoing statewide HIV Testing Campaign remains the central activity of the commemoration.
“It ensures that residents across all LGAs and LCDAs know their HIV status, supports early diagnosis, facilitates timely linkage to care, and sustains treatment adherence. This campaign reaches communities where health and social support are most needed.

The Jumat Service on Friday, 28th November, provides an opportunity to engage Muslim communities, highlighting the role of faith in promoting compassion, support, and health-seeking behaviours. Religious leaders will encourage congregants to embrace testing, reduce stigma, and care for those living with HIV.

“The novelty football match on Saturday, 29th November, uses sport as a platform for education and engagement. This fun and inclusive activity brings together residents from diverse backgrounds, offering a chance to share prevention messages, encourage testing, and foster social cohesion.

“The church service on Sunday, 30th November, engages Christian communities in reflection and solidarity. It emphasises the principles of care, inclusion, and community support, inspiring congregants to contribute to sustaining the HIV response while promoting messages of hope and compassion.

“The awareness walk and empowerment programme on Monday, 1st December, reaches residents directly in their communities, reinforcing stigma-free messaging, educating about prevention and treatment, and empowering women and youth to take active roles in safeguarding community health.”

She said the World AIDS Day Symposium on Tuesday, 2nd December, will bring together stakeholders, partners, health professionals, and community leaders for knowledge-sharing, dialogue, and innovation.
“It underscores the importance of collaboration across all sectors and faith communities in overcoming disruptions and sustaining the HIV response in Lagos State.”