By Sodiq Adelakun
Lagos State has announced plans to develop a new HIV Action Response Plan (HARP) for the period 2025-2027, aimed at advancing the state’s efforts in preventing and controlling the HIV epidemic.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA), Dr. Folakemi Animashaun, made this disclosure on Wednesday during a three-day Action Planning Workshop held in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) at the Lagos State Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI).
The upcoming plan, she explained, is a response to findings from a recent assessment using the HIV Prevention System Assessment Tool (PSAT), which identified critical gaps in the state’s current HIV prevention framework.
“In line with our commitment to the prevention and control of HIV in the state, LSACA has partnered with UNFPA to advance the state’s HIV prevention efforts. Together, we have embarked on the development of the 2025-2027 HIV Action Response Plan (HARP),” Animashaun stated, adding that the initiative aims to enhance the state’s ability to respond to the evolving HIV landscape.
The workshop provided a vital platform for key stakeholders to contribute towards shaping the plan. Animashaun emphasised the importance of collaboration in the fight against HIV, urging participants to actively engage in discussions that would lead to practical and sustainable solutions for the state.
“We cannot tackle this issue alone,” she remarked. “It is only through strategic planning and collective efforts that we can continue to make progress.”
Dr. Somefun Esther, a representative from UNFPA, also highlighted the importance of the workshop, assuring that it would lead to a comprehensive and actionable plan. She reiterated UNFPA’s commitment to supporting the Lagos State government in addressing the challenges posed by HIV and improving overall community health outcomes.
This initiative aligns with Lagos State’s broader public health strategy, which recently saw Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu pledge continued efforts towards sustainable healthcare, including the provision of free HIV screening to over 1,300 individuals.