The Lagos State Government has formally clarified that recent reports citing 10,430 new HIV infections in 2025 were inaccurate. Dr. Folakemi Animashaun, head of the Lagos State AIDS Control Agency, explained that this figure refers to individuals who were recently diagnosed, rather than people who were infected during that specific year. Many of these individuals likely contracted the virus previously but only sought testing recently.
Dr. Animashaun noted that as a major healthcare hub in Nigeria, Lagos manages a high volume of testing and patient referrals. She stated that higher detection rates are a positive outcome of improved surveillance and broader service access, rather than a surge in infections. Data supports this, as the state recorded a positivity rate of 2.4 per cent from over half a million tests in 2025, with rates dipping to 1.9 per cent in early 2026.
Currently, 147,904 people are undergoing antiretroviral treatment in the state, boasting a 97 per cent viral suppression rate. To ensure consistent medication availability, Lagos has become the first state in Nigeria to directly purchase antiretroviral drugs, reducing its reliance on external donor support. This initiative, set to receive its first shipment by August 2026, aims to build a sustainable local supply chain. Residents are encouraged to continue seeking testing, as the state emphasizes that the virus remains manageable with early detection and proper care.
