The Lagos State government has revealed that 3,390 persons were identified to be HIV-positive in the first three months of 2026 from the 179,229 HIV tests conducted by the government, aside as of 2025, 147,904 persons were receiving antiretroviral therapy across the state.
The
Chief Executive Officer, Lagos State Aids Control Agency (LSACA), Dr. Folakemi
Animashaun disclosed this on Thursday during a press briefing to provide
factual clarification regarding recent media reports suggesting that Lagos
State recorded the highest number of new HIV infections in Nigeria in 2025.
“Let
me state unequivocally that Lagos State’s HIV response remains strong,
proactive, evidence-based, and firmly on course. The figure widely reported in
the media requires important technical interpretation. It does not literally
translate to the State recording 10,430 new HIV infections in 2025.However, it
is important that we all understand what the reported figures actually
represent.
“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. 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 of 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.”
Animashaun
stated that the 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.
She
also said that 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. She added that 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. The available programme
data demonstrate sustained progress in HIV control across the State.
“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%. 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%.
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% 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% in 2020to 1.5% in 2025, reflecting sustained improvements
in maternal and child HIV services. These indicators collectively demonstrate
that Lagos has built one of Nigeria’s strongest HIV surveillance, prevention,
treatment, and response systems.”
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