Over 120,000 individuals in Lagos State, including children and adolescents, are receiving life-saving antiretroviral therapy (ART), according to the Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA). This milestone reflects Lagos’ progress toward the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets, which aim for widespread HIV awareness, treatment, and viral suppression.
LSACA CEO Folakemi Animashaun shared these figures during a press briefing marking the 2024 World AIDS Day, themed “The Right Path: Sustain the HIV Response and Stop HIV Among Children in Nigeria by 2030.”
Animashaun revealed concerning statistics: 340 children aged 1–4, 879 aged 5–9, and 2,077 adolescents are living with HIV in Lagos. She stressed the critical role of preventing mother-to-child transmission to curb these numbers.
LSACA’s efforts extend beyond treatment to prevention, having reached over 1 million people with HIV education and testing. The agency also launched a guideline addressing the intersection of gender-based violence (GBV) and HIV and continues to support local AIDS committees and community organizations.
To commemorate World AIDS Day, LSACA has organized activities including free ctesting (November 30–December 3), a football match (December 1), and a road walk for prevention (December 3).
Animashaun reiterated the importance of inclusive strategies, stating, “As we commemorate this year’s World AIDS Day, LSACA underscores the urgency of sustaining our efforts to ensure no one is left behind in the fight against HIV.”
World AIDS Day, observed annually on December 1, raises awareness about HIV/AIDS and advocates for the rights of those affected by the disease.
