160,000 Lagos Residents Living With HIV, Govt Reveals

According to official statements from the Lagos State Government, approximately 160,000 residents are currently living with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). The disclosure was made by the Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA) during its World AIDS Day 2025 briefing on Thursday.

Dr. Folakemi Animashaun, Chief Executive Officer of LSACA, presented the state’s latest estimates covering January to September 2025. She noted that of the 160,000 residents living with HIV, 147,466 are currently receiving antiretroviral treatment.

Dr. Animashaun praised the support of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, stating that his leadership “strengthens both our health systems and community networks, ensuring that every effort to prevent, detect, and treat HIV is empowered and sustained.”

The 2025 World AIDS Day theme, “Overcoming Disruptions: Sustaining Nigeria’s HIV Response,” reflects challenges faced in Lagos following the Stop Work Order issued by the United States Government, which temporarily disrupted community-level HIV interventions. According to Animashaun, this led to reduced testing and counselling, particularly affecting vulnerable populations.

During the January–September period, Lagos conducted 222,415 HIV tests, representing just 28.9 percent of the previous year’s output. Animashaun stressed that sustaining engagement, early testing, and community support is critical.

Despite these setbacks, she commended community groups for restoring services and adapting quickly. The ongoing Statewide Community HIV Testing Campaign, launched on November 18, has tested 9,943 residents, with a 2.0 percent positivity rate, all linked to care. Participation has been particularly high among women in Ikorodu, Badagry, Ojo, and Mushin.

Dr. Animashaun also highlighted intensified anti-stigma initiatives and outlined World AIDS Day activities, including a Jumat service, football match, church outreach, awareness walk, and stakeholder symposium. She concluded by urging collective action to sustain Lagos State’s HIV response.