In a major move to eliminate AIDS as a public health threat, the Lagos State Government has unveiled the Lagos State HIV Prevention Plan (2025–2027).
This three-year strategic framework is designed to harmonise prevention efforts and accelerate the state’s progress toward global health targets.
The plan was presented during a dissemination meeting at the Lagos State Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) by Folakemi Animashaun, Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA).
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Developed in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the document serves as a comprehensive roadmap for the next two years.
The new action plan focuses on several high-impact pillars to reduce the state’s HIV burden.
Mainstreaming HIV services into local clinics for easier access, expanding the use of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) and strengthening Prevention of Mother-To-Child Transmission (PMTCT) centres in all state-owned antenatal facilities.
Targeted sensitisation for artisans and the active involvement of traditional birth attendants, and intensive campaigns to reduce stigma and promote condom programming and harm reduction.
Animashaun emphasised that the success of the plan rests on collective ownership.She called on government MDAs, civil society organisations, and development partners to align their resources with these identified priorities.
She also credited Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu for his leadership in creating a resilient health system that prioritises human capital development.
Representing the UNFPA, Esther Somefun underscored the necessity of this evidence-based framework, noting that prevention is the most effective way to keep residents out of the cycle of lifelong treatment.
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“Without a guiding policy document, partners would lack direction and coherence in their interventions,” she stated, reaffirming UNFPA’s continued support for Lagos State.Michael Essien, Director of Projects at LSACA, highlighted that a core component of the plan is sustained public reorientation.
By tackling discrimination and improving awareness through community-led approaches, the state aims to ensure that residents can seek testing and care without fear.
