HIV in Lagos: The Current Reality and Why Protection Matters
Lagos State continues to bear a significant share of Nigeria’s HIV burden, with an estimated 160,000 residents currently living with the virus, according to data released by the Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA).
The figure, covering January to September 2025, was disclosed by LSACA’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Folakemi Animashaun, during a World AIDS Day press briefing in November 2025. Of the total number of people living with HIV, 147,466 are receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART)—a key milestone that helps suppress the virus, improve quality of life, and prevent transmission when viral load becomes undetectable.
Despite progress in treatment access, HIV testing declined sharply in 2025, with just 222,415 tests conducted in the first nine months, about 29% of the total tests recorded in 2024. LSACA attributed the drop to disruptions in community-based outreach services following a U.S. government Stop Work Order that affected key partnerships.
In response, the Lagos State Government intensified efforts through a statewide community testing campaign launched in November 2025, which has screened nearly 10,000 people, recording a 2% positivity rate.
While Lagos’ HIV prevalence remains relatively low at 1–2% among adults, its population of over 20 million people means the absolute number of cases is high, placing the state among Nigeria’s highest-burden areas by volume.
As highlighted during World AIDS Day 2025 under the theme “Overcoming Disruptions: Sustaining Nigeria’s HIV Response,” early diagnosis, stigma reduction, and community engagement remain critical. Free testing, counselling, and treatment services are available across Lagos State.
The message remains clear: know your status, protect yourself, and get tested regularly.
