Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Henry Owen
The Lagos State Government has raised fresh concern over the state’s HIV burden, revealing that about 160,000 residents are currently living with the virus, even as officials intensify a statewide push for testing, awareness and treatment.
The disclosure was made during the World AIDS Day 2025 briefing in Alausa, where the Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA), Dr. Folakemi Animashaun, confirmed that 147,466 individuals are already on treatment, a figure she described as encouraging but still demanding urgent, sustained action.
Dr. Animashaun explained that funding disruptions earlier in the year stalled community HIV testing, slowing down early detection efforts across several local government areas. However, with testing now fully restored, communities such as Badagry, Ikorodu, Ojo and Mushin have recorded strong participation in the state-led outreach campaign.
She noted that these numbers reflect active community mobilisation, not higher infection rates in those areas. So far, 9,943 residents have been tested, with all positive cases immediately linked to care, ensuring no one falls through the cracks.
At the heart of the World AIDS Day activities is Lagos’ commitment to tackling stigma, expanding preventive services, and strengthening community education—three pillars officials say are essential to controlling the spread of HIV.
As the statewide awareness drive continues, authorities are urging residents to take advantage of free testing and treatment, stressing that early detection remains the most powerful tool in preventing new infections and protecting vulnerable groups.
Lagos maintains that with renewed support, strong community participation, and sustained political will, the state can continue to drive down infection rates and safeguard public health.
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