Lagos Authorities Report That About 160,000 People in the State Are Living With HIV.

The Lagos State Government has disclosed that an estimated 160,000 residents are currently living with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

The figure was announced by the Lagos State AIDS Control Agency during its 2025 World AIDS Day press briefing held on Thursday.

Presenting the state’s progress report in Alausa, Ikeja, the Chief Executive Officer of LSACA, Dr. Folakemi Animashaun, stated that the data reflects estimates recorded between January and September 2025.

“As of January to September 2025, Lagos State currently has an estimated 160,000 residents living with HIV, of whom 147,466 individuals are enrolled in antiretroviral treatment,” she said. Animashaun praised Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his support, saying it has strengthened health systems and community structures to improve HIV prevention, testing, and treatment.

She explained that this year’s theme, “Overcoming Disruptions: Sustaining Nigeria’s HIV Response,” reflects challenges experienced in the state, particularly after the Stop Work Order issued by the United States Government, which disrupted HIV intervention programmes at community level.

According to Animashaun, the directive significantly slowed down testing and counselling services.

“These pauses in community-based activities reduced access to testing, counselling, and psychosocial support,” she noted, adding that vulnerable groups were the most affected. During the reporting period, the state conducted 222,415 HIV tests — only 28.9 per cent of last year’s total — illustrating the extent of the disruption.

She stressed that the drop in testing underscores the need for continuous engagement, early testing, and strong community-driven support.

Despite the challenges, she commended community organisations for their resilience and swift intervention.

“Their dedication helped Lagos recover lost ground,” she said. She further revealed that the ongoing Statewide Community HIV Testing Campaign, which began on November 18, has screened 9,943 individuals, yielding a 2.0 per cent positivity rate, with all identified cases immediately linked to care.

She also highlighted strong participation by women, particularly in Ikorodu, Badagry, Ojo, and Mushin, adding that cases were recorded across several local government areas, confirming that HIV remains a pressing public health concern.

Animashaun outlined activities planned for the World AIDS Day observance, including a Jumat service, novelty football match, church outreach, awareness walk, and a stakeholder symposium, alongside intensified anti-stigma campaigns.