Lagos Flags 160,000 HIV Cases Amid Testing Setbacks
The Lagos State Government has revealed that about 160,000 residents are currently living with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), raising concern over significant setbacks in community-based testing and outreach caused by disruptions in international support earlier this year.
The disclosure was made on Thursday by the Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA), Dr. Folakemi Animashaun, during a press briefing ahead of the 2025 World AIDS Day commemoration themed “Overcoming Disruptions: Sustaining Nigeria’s Human Immunodeficiency Virus Response.”
Animashaun commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his leadership, noting that his continued commitment kept treatment centres running even when community structures-the backbone of the State’s Human Immunodeficiency Virus response were heavily affected by the United States Government’s Stop Work Order.
She explained that the directive halted multiple community-focused activities, slowing access to testing, counselling, psychosocial support, and prevention education. Young people, key populations, and residents in remote communities faced the greatest impact, with many experiencing delays in early diagnosis and care.
According to her, the disruptions revealed a critical truth: “An effective HIV response relies not only on the strength of hospitals but also on Community networks that ensure trust, continuity, and reach.”
Despite the challenges, peer educators, youth advocates, civil society organisations, faith-based groups, and community structures regrouped and resumed outreach, helping the state gradually recover momentum and reconnect residents who had fallen out of care.
Presenting the latest figures, Animashaun stated that between January and September 2025:
Lagos recorded an estimated 160,000 residents living with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus
- 147,466 individuals are currently on antiretroviral treatment
- 222,415 Human Immunodeficiency Virus tests were conducted Statewide
She noted that the testing volume represents only 28.9 per cent of last year’s figures—another strong indication of how deeply the stop-work directive affected the State’s Human Immunodeficiency Virus intervention strategies.
However, the ongoing Statewide Community HIV Testing Campaign, which began on 18 November 2025, is helping to rebuild progress. So far, 9,943 residents—6,541 females and 3,402 males—have been tested, with a 2.0 per cent positive rate, and all positive individuals have been linked immediately to care.
Young adults aged 20–35 have shown the highest participation, while women in Ikorodu, Badagry, Ojo, and Mushin turned out in significant numbers, driven by market-based testing initiatives. Positive cases have been recorded across several Local Government Areas, confirming that the virus remains an active public health concern in Lagos.
To strengthen awareness and mobilise communities, LSACA unveiled a series of activities for this year’s World AIDS Day. These include:
Statewide HIV testing across all Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas
- Jumat service on Friday, 28 November
- Novelty football match on Saturday, 29 November
- Church service on Sunday, 30 November
- Awareness walk and empowerment outreach on Monday, 1 December
- World AIDS Day symposium on Tuesday, 2 December for experts, stakeholders, and community leaders
Animashaun said the activities aim to deepen public awareness, promote stigma-free health-seeking behaviour, strengthen community resilience, and sustain treatment adherence across Lagos State.
