Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive healthcare delivery with the sensitisation of persons with hearing and visual impairments on HIV and AIDS prevention, as well as stigma reduction.

In a statement yesterday, the programme brought together members of the hearing and visually impaired community, stakeholders, to enhance awareness on HIV prevention, promote disability-inclusive healthcare services, and address the challenges faced by persons with disabilities in accessing HIV-related information and support.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA), Dr Folakemi Animashaun, who spoke during a sensitisation programme that brought together members of the hearing and visually impaired community and other stakeholders to enhance awareness on HIV prevention, promote disability-inclusive healthcare services, and address the challenges faced by persons with disabilities in accessing HIV-related information and support, stated that the initiative reflects the state government’s determination to ensure that every resident, regardless of ability or disability, has equal access to quality healthcare services and accurate health information.

She noted that as the state continues its efforts to end HIV as a public health threat, it is essential to address the unique challenges faced by persons with disabilities, including communication barriers, limited access to disability-friendly healthcare facilities, stigma, discrimination, and social exclusion.

According to Animashaun, the sensitisation programme was designed to empower participants with knowledge on HIV prevention, testing, treatment, and care, while also creating awareness about their rights to access healthcare services without discrimination.

She said that the programme featured sessions on the current HIV situation in Lagos State, basic facts about HIV, stigma and discrimination, gender-based violence, and the rights of persons with disabilities in accessing HIV-related services.

Participants at the event were exposed to practical demonstrations on HIV self-testing and condom use, as well as information on referral pathways for accessing healthcare and support services.

The LSACA CEO reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to promoting equitable access to HIV prevention, testing, treatment, care, and support services for all residents, adding that the agency will continue to strengthen partnerships and advocate for disability-inclusive healthcare services to ensure that no one is left behind.

She further urged participants to become ambassadors of HIV prevention, stigma reduction, and inclusion within their communities, emphasising that collective action is essential to creating a society where everyone is treated with dignity, respect, and given equal opportunities to access healthcare services.

Also, a participant, Kingsley Njoku, who spoke during an interview at the event, described the programme as timely and impactful, emphasising the importance of including persons with disabilities in government initiatives.