By Olasunkanmi Akoni

The Lagos State Government has attributed the low community-level HIV interventions in the state to the “Stop Work Order ” issued by the United States Government earlier in 2025.

Meanwhile, it disclosed that an estimated 160,000 residents are living with HIV, while 147,466 persons are currently on antiretroviral treatment.

The Chief Executive Officer of Lagos State AIDS Control Agency, LSACA, Dr Folakemi Animashaun, made the remarks on Thursday, during a press briefing on activities lined up for World AIDS Day 2025, held in Alausa, Lagos.

Animashaun, who officially unveiled activities for World AIDS Day 2025, with the theme: “Overcoming Disruptions: Sustaining Nigeria’s HIV Response,” reaffirmed the agency ‘s commitment to strengthening HIV prevention, testing, and treatment across the state.

Animashaun, who officially commenced this year’s commemoration themed: “Overcoming Disruptions: Sustaining Nigeria’s HIV Response,” commended the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in combating the scourge.

She said the Governor’s support continues to reinforce the state’s healthcare systems and community structures, enabling consistent progress in HIV control efforts.

While highlighting achievements recorded in 2025, Animashaun noted that community-level HIV interventions were significantly affected by the Stop Work Order issued by the United States government earlier in the year.

She said the directive temporarily slowed essential services such as community HIV testing, psychosocial support, counselling, and outreach in several hard-to-reach areas.

“These interruptions demonstrated that the strength of any health response lies not just in hospitals but in the continuity and trust of community engagement.

“Community networks—peer educators, support groups, youth advocates, faith organisations, civil society groups—remain the backbone of Lagos State’s HIV response,” Animashaun said.

Despite the setbacks, she commended community partners for their resilience, noting that many quickly reorganised, resumed outreach, and ensured that newly diagnosed individuals were connected to treatment.

Updating the public on the current HIV situation, Animashaun disclosed that Lagos State has an estimated 160,000 residents living with HIV, with 147,466 persons currently on antiretroviral treatment.

Between January and September 2025, a total of 222,415 HIV tests were conducted—representing only 28.9 per cent of last year’s testing volume, a decline she attributed to disruptions in community services.

However, the ongoing Statewide Community HIV Testing Campaign, launched on November 18, has begun yielding encouraging results.

So far, 9,943 residents have been tested, including 3,402 males and 6,541 females, with an overall positivity rate of 2 per cent. All individuals who tested positive have been linked to care.

Animashaun added that the campaign is recording strong participation among youths aged 20–35 and women in communities such as Ikorodu, Badagry, Ojo, and Mushin.

She stressed that the detection of new cases confirms that HIV remains a significant public health concern requiring sustained vigilance.

Noting that the Lagos State Community Recovery Plan is now being fully implemented to restore lost momentum, Animashaun said the plan includes: intensified outreach in high-priority areas, reactivation of support groups, expanded multi-month drug dispensing for stable clients, and active tracking of persons who have fallen out of care.

As part of the 2025 World AIDS Day schedule, LSACA has lined up a series of statewide engagements, including: a Jumat Service on Friday, a novelty football match on Saturday, a church service on Sunday, and an awareness walk with an empowerment programme on Monday, December 1.

A high-level World AIDS Day Symposium will be held on Tuesday, December 2, bringing together experts, partners, and community groups to deepen collaboration.

A major focus of this year’s commemoration is the fight against stigma and discrimination.

According to Animashaun, “LSACA has expanded its sensitisation efforts across markets, schools, faith institutions, and community clusters.

“No individual should ever feel excluded or dehumanised because of their HIV status.”

She also acknowledged the critical role of the media in shaping public understanding, promoting accurate information, and spotlighting both challenges and success stories in the HIV response.

Animashaun, however, called for collective responsibility: “As we commemorate World AIDS Day 2025, let us strengthen community networks, support early testing, and commit to ensuring that every Lagos resident has access to care without fear or stigma.

“Together, under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, we can sustain the HIV response and build a healthier, stronger Lagos.”