In a startling revelation, the Lagos State Government has disclosed that an eye-opening number of approximately 160,000 residents are currently living with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). This disturbing statistic was brought to light by the Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA) during a press briefing held to mark World AIDS Day.
Dr. Folakemi Animashaun, the Chief Executive Officer of LSACA, addressed journalists at Alausa, Ikeja, presenting the grim state of affairs from January to September this year. “As of January to September, Lagos State currently has an estimated 160,000 residents living with HIV, of whom a mere 147,466 are on antiretroviral treatment,” she stated, highlighting the pressing need for action.
In a bid to deflect some of the blame, Dr. Animashaun praised Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s leadership, claiming his support has been crucial for health systems and community networks. “His leadership ensures that every effort to prevent, detect, and treat HIV is empowered and sustained,” she declared, but is that enough?
This year’s theme, “Overcoming Disruptions: Sustaining Nigeria’s HIV Response,” couldn't be more fitting as it reflects the serious challenges faced in Lagos. The Stop Work Order issued by the United States Government has thrown a wrench into community-level HIV interventions, severely disrupting testing and counseling efforts. The U.S. Government's recent decision to terminate its agreement with the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS has jeopardized the global mission to eradicate AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
According to Dr. Animashaun, the U.S. Executive Order, which instituted a 90-day freeze on foreign aid, has had a catastrophic effect on critical HIV services. “These pauses in community activities slowed essential interventions, limiting access to testing, counseling, and psychosocial support,” she explained, clearly indicating that vulnerable populations have borne the brunt of these challenges.
During the reporting period, Lagos State managed to conduct only 222,415 HIV tests, a staggering 28.9 percent drop from last year’s output, starkly illustrating the fallout from these disruptions. Dr. Animashaun stressed the urgent need to revitalize engagement, early testing, and robust community support.
Yet, amidst these setbacks, she acknowledged the resilience of community groups in their efforts to restore services. “Their unwavering commitment has allowed Lagos to regain lost momentum,” she remarked, but can this momentum sustain the fight against such a critical health crisis? The ongoing Statewide Community HIV Testing Campaign, which commenced on November 18, has tested 9,943 residents, yielding a 2.0 percent positivity rate, with all positive cases linked to further care.
Notably, women have been actively participating in the campaign, particularly in areas like Ikorodu, Badagry, Ojo, and Mushin. This surge in participation is attributed to effective market-based and community-cluster strategies. “Positive cases have been identified across multiple Local Government Areas (LGAs), confirming that HIV remains a significant public health concern in the state,” she added, leaving us to wonder what more can be done.
Dr. Animashaun also highlighted the state’s intensified anti-stigma initiatives and detailed various activities planned for World AIDS Day, including a Jumat service, a novelty football match, church outreach, an awareness walk, and a stakeholder symposium. But are these efforts enough to combat the HIV epidemic gripping Lagos?
“Together, we can sustain the HIV response for a healthier, stronger Lagos,” she concluded, making yet another appeal for collective action to tackle the ongoing challenges posed by HIV in the state.
