The Lagos State Government has assured the public that it remains firmly committed to protecting the health and wellbeing of every resident, particularly in ensuring that every resident has access to quality HIV prevention, testing, treatment, and care services.
The Government further dismissed what it described as misleading reports in some media about the number of infections in Lagos.
The assurance and clarification were given by the Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA), Dr. Folakemi Animashaun, during a press conference on Thursday at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa, Ikeja.
Dr. Animashaun stated unequivocally that Lagos State’s HIV response remains strong, proactive, evidence-based, and firmly on course.
While providing factual clarification regarding recent media reports suggesting that Lagos State recorded the highest number of new HIV infections in Nigeria in 2025, disclosed that the report, which is actually a 2018 survey, does not literally translate to Lagos State recording 10,430 new HIV infections in 2025.
She said the number that has been widely circulated refers to newly diagnosed HIV-positive cases, not necessarily new HIV infections that occurred within the year.
She said while recent media reports have generated understandable public concern, the available programme data does not support panic but underscores the strength of Lagos State’s surveillance system, expanded access to HIV services, and sustained progress towards epidemic control.
Giving detailed clarification on the report, Dr. Animashaun said, “A newly diagnosed HIV-positive case simply means an individual was confirmed HIV-positive during the reporting period. These include persons who may have acquired HIV several years earlier but were only recently tested. The figure may also include people who travelled to Lagos for testing or treatment, referrals from other states, and individuals identified because the state expanded access to HIV testing services.
“On the other hand, new HIV infections refer to individuals who acquired HIV within a defined period. and are estimated using established epidemiological surveillance methods and scientific modelling. These are two different indicators and should not be interpreted interchangeably.
“This distinction is critical because inaccurate interpretation of public health data can generate unnecessary fear, increase stigma and discrimination, discourage HIV testing, and ultimately undermine public health interventions. To ensure complete transparency, Lagos State is engaging relevant stakeholders to understand the methodology, indicator definitions, and reporting assumptions underlying the published figures. This will ensure accurate interpretation and responsible public communication.
“It is equally important to place Lagos State within its proper context. As Nigeria’s most populous state, commercial centre, and one of the country’s largest healthcare referral hubs, Lagos naturally records some of the highest volumes of HIV testing, diagnosis, treatment, and patient referrals. Stronger surveillance systems and wider access to healthcare services invariably result in higher case detection and should not be misconstrued as evidence of worsening epidemic control.”
Giving detailed clarification on the report, Dr. Animashaun said, “A newly diagnosed HIV-positive case simply means an individual was confirmed HIV-positive during the reporting period. These include persons who may have acquired HIV several years earlier but were only recently tested. The figure may also include people who travelled to Lagos for testing or treatment, referrals from other states, and individuals identified because the state expanded access to HIV testing services.
“On the other hand, new HIV infections refer to individuals who acquired HIV within a defined period. and are estimated using established epidemiological surveillance methods and scientific modelling. These are two different indicators and should not be interpreted interchangeably.
“This distinction is critical because inaccurate interpretation of public health data can generate unnecessary fear, increase stigma and discrimination, discourage HIV testing, and ultimately undermine public health interventions. To ensure complete transparency, Lagos State is engaging relevant stakeholders to understand the methodology, indicator definitions, and reporting assumptions underlying the published figures. This will ensure accurate interpretation and responsible public communication.
“It is equally important to place Lagos State within its proper context. As Nigeria’s most populous state, commercial centre, and one of the country’s largest healthcare referral hubs, Lagos naturally records some of the highest volumes of HIV testing, diagnosis, treatment, and patient referrals. Stronger surveillance systems and wider access to healthcare services invariably result in higher case detection and should not be misconstrued as evidence of worsening epidemic control.”
Speaking on the available programme data, which demonstrates sustained progress in HIV control across Lagos State, Dr. Animashaun disclosed that “In 2025, Lagos State conducted 504,800 HIV tests, through which 11,940 HIV-positive cases were identified, representing a positivity yield of 2.4 percent. In the first quarter of 2026, the State conducted 179,229 HIV tests, identifying 3,390 HIV-positive cases, while the positivity yield further declined to 1.9 percent.
“The declining positivity rate, despite expanded testing, is a significant epidemiological indicator that reflects improving epidemic control.
“Furthermore, as of 2025, 147,904 persons were receiving antiretroviral therapy across Lagos State, with 97 percent achieving viral suppression. This represents a major public health milestone and demonstrates the effectiveness of the State’s HIV treatment programme.
“Similarly, Lagos State continues to record significant progress in the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV. The Early Infant Diagnosis positivity rate has declined remarkably from 5.1 percent in 2020 to 1.5 per cent in 2025, reflecting sustained improvements in maternal and child HIV services.
