FG, Lagos launch HIV survey targeting over 11,000 residents

By Adeola Ogunrinde –

Lagos State Government, in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health and the National AIDS and STIs Control Programme (NASCP), will conduct a comprehensive HIV impact survey targeting approximately 11,397 residents across the state’s 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs). The Nigeria State-Level Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) Impact Survey (AIS) will take place between October and December 2025.

The survey aims to assess HIV prevalence, treatment coverage, and viral load suppression among adults aged 15–64 years. Data will be collected from 6,150 households across 205 enumeration areas in Lagos State.

Speaking at a press briefing in Ikeja, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, described the exercise as critical to strengthening evidence-based planning and interventions for HIV response in Lagos.

“This is an impact survey that will assess HIV prevalence, treatment coverage, and viral load suppression among adults in Lagos. We count on the cooperation of communities, security agencies, and field workers to make it successful,” Dr. Ogboye said. He urged field workers to approach their duties with diligence, emphasizing the national significance of the data.

Also at the event, Dr. Ibrahim Dalhatu, Deputy Director of Epidemiology and Strategic Information at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), highlighted the human-centred nature of the initiative. He reaffirmed the CDC’s commitment to providing technical support and called on stakeholders to ensure field teams receive community access and acceptance for credible results.

Representing the National Coordinator of NASCP, Dr. Chioma Ukanwa, Deputy Director for Prevention, described the ART Impact Survey as a globally recognized tool for tracking progress in epidemic control. She appealed to traditional and community leaders to mobilize residents and encourage cooperation with the survey teams.

Dr. Ukanwa emphasized that community engagement would be vital to the success of the exercise. In addition, Mr. Francis Agbo, Director of Research, Monitoring, and Evaluation at the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), said the survey marks a crucial milestone in monitoring HIV control efforts in Lagos.