Lagos unveils new HIV strategic plan to strengthen prevention

Lagos State has unveiled its 2025–2027 HIV Strategic Plan, aimed at strengthening prevention, testing, treatment and care while addressing existing gaps in the state’s HIV response ahead of 2027.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA), Dr Folakemi Animashaun, unveiled the plan during its dissemination and said the document would provide a framework for coordinating HIV programmes, resources and partnerships across the state.

“The Plan provides a clear framework for coordinating HIV programmes, resources and partnerships towards achieving measurable results by 2027,” she said.

Animashaun noted that Lagos had recorded progress in HIV prevention, testing, treatment and community-based interventions but said significant gaps still needed to be addressed.

She identified reaching underserved populations, expanding access to prevention and testing, linking people living with HIV to treatment, retaining them in care and achieving viral suppression as key areas requiring sustained attention.

According to her, the dissemination meeting provided an opportunity for stakeholders to review the state’s progress, identify remaining gaps and refocus efforts towards achieving the plan’s targets.

“The dissemination is an opportunity for stakeholders to review progress, identify gaps and refocus collective efforts on achieving the Plan’s targets before 2027,” she said.

She assured that LSACA would continue to coordinate the state’s HIV response, mobilise resources and monitor implementation while promoting evidence-based decision-making.

Animashaun also stressed the importance of collaboration among government agencies, development partners, civil society organisations, communities and healthcare providers.

“Sustained collaboration, adequate resources and effective coordination are critical to achieving a stronger and more sustainable HIV response in Lagos State,” she said.

She commended the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), government ministries, development partners, civil society organisations, communities and healthcare workers for their continued support.

The 2025–2027 strategic plan is expected to guide HIV interventions across Lagos State, with a focus on improving access to prevention, testing, treatment and long-term care for people living with HIV.