Lagos unveils fresh HIV figures, showing 160,000 residents affected as officials highlight growing treatment access and strengthened public health response across the state.
The Lagos State Government has released a renewed assessment of its public health data, revealing that approximately 160,000 residents are currently living with HIV.
The latest figures, compiled from January to September 2025, were shared to highlight the state’s progress and the ongoing need for consistent intervention.
These updated findings were formally presented during the 2025 World AIDS Day briefing held at Alausa, Ikeja, where the Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA) outlined the state’s strides in managing the virus.
The gathering brought together health experts, development partners and community advocates who have been instrumental in advancing the fight against HIV across the state.
Dr. Folakemi Animashaun, the Chief Executive Officer of LSACA, provided detailed insights into the treatment data, noting that 147,466 individuals are already receiving antiretroviral therapy.
She explained that this treatment coverage demonstrates the government’s commitment to expanding healthcare access and ensuring that residents living with HIV benefit from consistent medical support.
Animashaun emphasized that Lagos’ approach relies heavily on strong community participation, targeted awareness campaigns and partnerships with both national and international health organisations.
According to her, these collaborative mechanisms have played an essential role in identifying new cases, linking patients to treatment and promoting early testing for those who may be unaware of their status.
She also acknowledged the state government’s continuous backing of LSACA’s initiatives.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, she said, has supported efforts to reinforce public health structures, upgrade treatment facilities and build sustainable systems capable of delivering high-quality care to residents living with HIV.
This support has enabled the agency to address emerging gaps and ensure that more patients are captured within the treatment net.
During the briefing, LSACA highlighted several ongoing programmes aimed at reducing transmission rates and empowering communities with accurate health information.
These include neighbourhood-based testing drives, education campaigns for young people, workplace sensitization programmes and collaboration with local organisations that provide psychosocial support.
The agency believes these initiatives are crucial in reducing stigma and encouraging individuals to seek help without fear of discrimination.
Beyond treatment, Animashaun stressed the importance of data accuracy in shaping policy decisions.
She explained that improved monitoring tools help the state track treatment adherence, identify high-risk areas and design interventions tailored to specific communities.
These data-driven strategies, she noted, are vital to the long-term goal of curbing HIV infections and achieving global health targets.
LSACA also reaffirmed its alignment with international frameworks such as the UNAIDS 95-95-95 goals, which aim to reduce AIDS-related deaths and new infections globally.
Animashaun noted that while Lagos is moving closer to these targets, challenges such as misinformation, social stigma and economic disparities continue to hinder the fight against the virus.
She called on stakeholders to remain committed, especially in communities where awareness and testing uptake remain low.
As the state marks World AIDS Day 2025, officials reiterated that the new data is a reminder of the collective responsibility shared by citizens, institutions and the government.
With strengthened health systems, improved treatment access and continued collaboration, Lagos hopes to sustain progress and ensure that residents living with HIV receive the support needed to lead healthy and dignified lives.
Ireport247news
