LSACA records progress in Lagos HIV response under Animashaun
The Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA) says it has recorded significant progress in the state’s HIV response over the past three years under the leadership of its chief executive officer, Dr Folakemi Animashaun.
In a recent statement, the agency said the achievements, recorded since Animashaun assumed office on October 30, 2023, include expanded access to treatment, improved prevention, digital innovation, human rights protection, sustainable financing and economic empowerment of people living with HIV.
LSACA said it developed the Lagos State Strategic Plan on HIV 2025–2027 and the HIV Action Response Plan (HARP) 2025–2027 to strengthen coordination and improve service delivery. It also advanced the development of the SAFEHUB App to improve the coordination of HIV interventions and established a Gender and Human Rights Response Team to promote inclusion and protect vulnerable groups.
The agency also hosted the 7th National Council on AIDS in collaboration with the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) and disseminated the State AIDS Spending Assessment Report covering 2018 to 2023. It is also working towards an HIV Sustainability and Transition Roadmap for 2027–2037 to strengthen domestic financing and ensure continuity of essential services.
On treatment outcomes, LSACA said 147,904 people living with HIV were receiving antiretroviral treatment across Lagos State as of 2025, with 97 per cent achieving viral suppression.
It added that Early Infant Diagnosis positivity declined from 5.1 per cent in 2020 to 1.5 per cent in 2025, while the state’s HIV positivity rate dropped from 2.4 per cent to 1.9 per cent despite an expansion in testing services.
The agency also disclosed that Lagos State had commenced the procurement of antiretroviral drugs with its own resources to reduce dependence on external donor funding and ensure uninterrupted treatment. Beyond medical interventions, more than 400 beneficiaries have received livelihood-support equipment, including grinding machines, to promote economic independence.
LSACA said it would continue to work with government institutions, development partners, civil society organisations, healthcare providers and community groups to sustain the gains and support Lagos State’s efforts to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
