Lagos records 160,000 residents living with HIV

The Lagos State Government on Thursday has revealed that about 160,000 residents are currently living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), according to records compiled between January and September 2025.

Speaking at a press briefing in Alausa, Ikeja, to mark the 2025 World AIDS Day themed “Overcoming Disruptions: Sustaining Nigeria’s HIV Response,” Folakemi Animashaun, Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LASCA), disclosed that over 147,466 of those infected are currently enrolled in antiretroviral therapy (ART).

Animashaun highlighted the challenges faced by community structures due to a stop-work directive by the US government, which slowed HIV testing, counselling, and psychosocial support in some areas.

“Many residents, particularly adolescents, key populations, and individuals in hard-to-reach areas, experienced delays in accessing services that are often lifelines for early detection and care,” she said.

The agency’s ongoing Statewide Community HIV Testing Campaign, which began on 18 November 2025, has already screened 9,943 residents, identifying positive cases and linking them to care. Young adults aged 20–35 led turnout, with women showing strong participation in Ikorodu, Badagry, Ojo, and Mushin.

“The ongoing campaign remains central to the World AIDS Day commemoration,” Animashaun said, adding that LASCA has organised a series of events to raise awareness, encourage testing, and sustain treatment adherence across all local government areas (LGAs) and local council development areas (LCDAs).

Activities include a Jumat Service engaging Muslim communities, a novelty football match to educate through sport, a church service for Christian congregants, and an awareness walk and empowerment programme scheduled for 1 December.

The campaign will conclude with a symposium on 2 December, bringing together stakeholders, partners, health professionals, and community leaders for knowledge-sharing and dialogue.

Animashaun acknowledged the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, whose support, she said, has strengthened health systems and community networks, ensuring continued prevention, detection, and treatment of HIV in Lagos State.