The Lagos State Government has dismissed reports that it recorded the highest number of new HIV infections in Nigeria in 2025, clarifying that the figures were widely misinterpreted and do not represent new infections.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA), Dr. Folakemi Animashaun, made the clarification during a press briefing in Alausa, Ikeja. According to Animashaun, the widely reported figure of 10,430 referred to newly diagnosed HIV-positive cases rather than new infections that occurred within the year.

She explained that many of those diagnosed may have contracted the virus years earlier, and that the figures also include patients referred from other states or people who travelled to Lagos to access the state’s HIV testing and treatment services.

“The number that has been widely circulated refers to newly diagnosed HIV-positive cases, not necessarily new HIV infections that occurred within the year. These are two very different public health indicators.”

She noted that confusing the two indicators could fuel fear, deepen stigma and discourage residents from accessing HIV testing and treatment services.

“As Nigeria’s commercial hub and a major healthcare referral centre, Lagos naturally records high volumes of HIV testing and patient referrals. Stronger surveillance systems and wider access to healthcare services also result in higher case detection and should not be interpreted as evidence of a worsening HIV epidemic.”

Providing an update on the state’s HIV response, Animashaun disclosed that Lagos conducted 504,800 HIV tests in 2025 and identified 11,940 positive cases, representing a positivity rate of 2.4 per cent. In the first quarter of 2026, the state carried out 179,229 HIV tests and recorded 3,390 positive cases, while the positivity rate declined to 1.9 per cent. She observed that the falling positivity rate, despite increased testing, indicated that HIV control measures in the state were yielding positive results.

The LSACA chief further disclosed that 147,904 people were receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Lagos as of 2025, with 97 per cent achieving viral suppression. She added that the state had made significant progress in preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV, as the Early Infant Diagnosis positivity rate dropped from 5.1 per cent in 2020 to 1.5 per cent in 2025. To sustain the gains, Lagos has begun implementing an HIV Response Acceleration Plan covering July to September 2026. The initiative focuses on expanding testing, improving treatment, strengthening community prevention, enhancing data quality and ensuring accountability across the 20 local government areas and 57 local council development areas.

Animashaun also disclosed that the state was scaling up HIV prevention through oral and long-acting injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). She announced that Lagos had become the first state in Nigeria to independently procure antiretroviral medicines, guaranteeing uninterrupted treatment for people living with HIV, with the first consignment expected before the end of August.

“This initiative reinforces Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to reducing dependence on donor support while guaranteeing uninterrupted access to life-saving treatment.”

She added that the state was exploring local production of antiretroviral medicines in collaboration with international partners, including UNAIDS, to strengthen supply chains and reduce long-term treatment costs. She urged residents to take advantage of the state’s free HIV prevention, testing, and treatment services.

“There is no cause for panic. Know your HIV status, rely only on verified public health information, and reject every form of stigma and discrimination. HIV remains preventable and manageable, and with early diagnosis and sustained treatment, people living with HIV can live long, healthy and productive lives.”

Reaffirming the state’s commitment to tackling HIV, she said Lagos would continue to strengthen its response through sustained investment, evidence-based policies, and strategic partnerships.

“Lagos is not defined by the number of people it tests. Lagos is defined by the strength of its response.” (The Nation)