The Lagos State Government says about 160,000 residents in the state are living with HIV, based on new figures gathered from January to September 2025.
The Lagos State AIDS Control Agency shared the update on Thursday during its World AIDS Day 2025 press briefing held in Alausa, Ikeja.
The Chief Executive Officer of LSACA, Dr Folakemi Animashaun, said the figure reflects the latest estimate of people affected and the number already receiving treatment.
She said, “As of January to September 2025, Lagos State currently has an estimated 160,000 residents living with HIV, of whom 147,466 persons are on antiretroviral treatment.”
Animashaun praised Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for supporting HIV programmes in the state, saying his backing “strengthens both our health systems and community networks, ensuring that every effort to prevent, detect, and treat HIV is empowered and sustained.”
She explained that this year’s theme, Overcoming Disruptions: Sustaining Nigeria’s HIV Response, reflects the challenges the state faced after the United States Government issued a Stop Work Order that affected many HIV interventions at the community level.
Earlier in March, reports showed that the US Government ended its agreement with UNAIDS after President Donald Trump signed an executive order titled Reevaluating and Realigning U.S. Foreign AID. The order froze foreign aid for 90 days to review how assistance aligns with US foreign policy.
Animashaun said the directive slowed down key services.
“These pauses in community activities slowed essential interventions, limiting access to testing, counselling, and psychosocial support,” she said, warning that the most vulnerable groups were the hardest hit.
From January to September, Lagos carried out 222,415 HIV tests, which is only 28.9 percent of last year’s total. Animashaun said the drop “reinforces the need to sustain engagement, early testing, and strong community support.”
Despite the setbacks, she said community partners stepped up to fill the gaps.
“Their unwavering commitment has allowed Lagos to regain lost momentum,” she said.
She also shared updates from the ongoing Statewide Community HIV Testing Campaign, which started on November 18. She said 9,943 residents have been tested so far, with a 2 percent positivity rate, and all positive cases have been linked to care.
According to her, women are actively taking part in the testing campaign, especially in Ikorodu, Badagry, Ojo, and Mushin, showing that market-based and cluster approaches are working well.
“Positive cases have been identified across multiple LGAs, confirming that HIV remains a disease of public health concern in the state,” she added.
Animashaun also highlighted the state’s anti-stigma push and listed several activities planned for the World AIDS Day commemoration. These include a Jumat service, a novelty football match, church outreach, an awareness walk, and a stakeholder symposium.
She urged residents to support the fight against HIV, saying, “Together, we can sustain the HIV response for a healthier, stronger Lagos.”
