Lagos State government has revealed that 3,390 persons were identified to be HIV-positive in the first three months of 2026 from the 179,229 HIV tests conducted by the government, aside as of 2025, 147,904 persons were receiving antiretroviral therapy across the state.

  The Chief Executive Officer, Lagos State Aids Control Agency (LSACA), Dr. Folakemi Animashaun disclosed this on Thursday during a press briefing to provide factual clarification regarding recent media reports suggesting that Lagos State recorded the highest number of new HIV infections in Nigeria in 2025.

   “Let me state unequivocally that Lagos State’s HIV response remains strong, proactive, evidence-based, and firmly on course. The figure widely reported in the media requires important technical interpretation. It does not literally translate to the State recording 10,430 new HIV infections in 2025.However, it is important that we all understand what the reported figures actually represent.

  “The number that has been widely circulated refers to newly diagnosed HIV-positive cases, not necessarily new HIV infections that occurred within the year. These are two very different public health indicators. A newly diagnosed HIV-positive case simply means an individual was confirmed HIV-positive during the reporting period. These include persons who may have acquired HIV several years earlier but were only recently tested. The figure may also include people who travelled to Lagos for testing or treatment, referrals from other states, and individuals identified because of the state expanded access to HIV testing services.

  “On the other hand, new HIV infections refer to individuals who acquired HIV within a defined period. and are estimated using established epidemiological surveillance methods and scientific modelling. These are two different indicators and should not be interpreted interchangeably.”

Animashaun stated that the distinction is critical because inaccurate interpretation of public health data can generate unnecessary fear, increase stigma and discrimination, discourage HIV testing, and ultimately undermine public health interventions.

   “To ensure complete transparency, Lagos State is engaging relevant stakeholders to understand the methodology, indicator definitions, and reporting assumptions underlying the published figures. This will ensure accurate interpretation and responsible public communication.

   She also said that it is equally important to place Lagos State within its proper context as Nigeria’s most populous state, commercial centre, and one of the country’s largest healthcare referral hubs. She added that Lagos naturally records some of the highest volumes of HIV testing, diagnosis, treatment, and patient referrals. “Stronger surveillance systems and wider access to healthcare services invariably result in higher case detection and should not be misconstrued as evidence of worsening epidemic control. The available programme data demonstrate sustained progress in HIV control across the State.

  “In 2025, Lagos State conducted 504,800 HIV tests, through which 11,940 HIV-positive cases were identified, representing a positivity yield of 2.4%. In the first quarter of 2026, the state conducted 179,229 HIV tests, identifying 3,390 HIV-positive cases, while the positivity yield further declined to 1.9%. The declining positivity rate, despite expanded testing, is a significant epidemiological indicator that reflects improving epidemic control.

   “Furthermore, as of 2025, 147,904 persons were receiving antiretroviral therapy across Lagos State, with 97% achieving viral suppression. This represents a major public health milestone and demonstrates the effectiveness of the State’s HIV treatment programme.

   “Similarly, Lagos State continues to record significant progress in the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV. The Early Infant Diagnosis positivity rate has declined remarkably from 5.1% in 2020to 1.5% in 2025, reflecting sustained improvements in maternal and child HIV services. These indicators collectively demonstrate that Lagos has built one of Nigeria’s strongest HIV surveillance, prevention, treatment, and response systems.”