Lagos Offers Free HIV Testing for World AIDS Day
Lagos Offers Free HIV Testing for World AIDS Day
As part of activities marking the 2025 World AIDS Day, the Lagos State Government through the Lagos State AIDS Control Agency LSACA has commenced a statewide free HIV testing campaign. The exercise, which runs from 18th November to 1st December 2025, will be conducted across all Local Government Areas LGAs and Local Council Development Areas LCDAs.
This large-scale initiative reinforces the state’s sustained efforts to expand access to HIV testing, promote early diagnosis, and ensure seamless linkage to care for residents.
Expanding Access Through Community Based Testing
According to LSACA, the campaign is designed to close existing testing gaps while improving community level awareness about HIV prevention, management, and stigma reduction.
The agency disclosed via its official X handle that trained counsellor testers, adequate testing kits, condoms, and educational materials have been deployed to ensure smooth operations throughout all communities.
The goal is to make testing accessible to everyone regardless of socioeconomic status, location, or previous exposure to health services.
“Testing Remains the Gateway to Treatment” — LSACA CEO
Speaking ahead of the launch, LSACA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Folakemi Animashaun highlighted the importance of knowing one’s status in supporting the state’s public health goals.
“As we approach the 2025 World AIDS Day, our priority is to ensure that every resident of Lagos has the opportunity to know their HIV status in a safe, confidential, and accessible manner,” she said.
“Testing remains the gateway to prevention and treatment, and this statewide exercise underscores our commitment to safeguarding the health and wellbeing of all Lagosians.”
Dr. Animashaun added that LSACA is collaborating closely with development partners, healthcare institutions, and community-based organizations to reach even the most underserved populations.
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Reaching Underserved Communities Through Partnerships
One of the core strategies of the 2025 campaign is the emphasis on community outreach. Mobile testing units, pop up screening points, and door to door sensitization efforts are expected to play major roles in reaching:
• Hard to reach riverine communities
• Densely populated urban slums
• Youth populations
• Key affected groups
• Markets and transport hubs
These targeted approaches ensure that no resident is left out of the opportunity to access free, confidential, and stigma free HIV screening.
A Step Toward an HIV Free Lagos
Reaffirming the Lagos State Government’s commitment to improving healthcare access, Dr. Animashaun noted the state’s ongoing investments in:
• Expansion of HIV testing and counselling centers
• Strengthening supply chains for testing kits and prevention commodities
• Capacity building for counsellors and healthcare workers
• Continuous public awareness and anti-stigma campaigns
These efforts aim not only to reduce new HIV infections but also to ensure that individuals diagnosed with HIV are promptly linked to treatment services, improving health outcomes and reducing transmission rates.
Why This Campaign Matters
The free testing initiative aligns with global and national goals, including UNAIDS 95 95 95 targets, which aim for:
• 95 percent of people living with HIV knowing their status
• 95 percent of those diagnosed receiving sustained treatment
• 95 percent of those on treatment achieving viral suppression
Early testing is the first and most crucial step in achieving these milestones.
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Residents Encouraged to Participate
LSACA is urging all Lagos residents to take advantage of the ongoing statewide screening.
Knowing one’s HIV status, the agency stressed, is a vital step toward achieving an HIV free generation.
Residents can walk into designated testing points across all LGAs and LCDAs to enjoy:
• Free HIV screening
• Confidential counselling
• Access to prevention information and materials
• Linkage to care for anyone who tests positive
About LSACA
The Lagos State AIDS Control Agency LSACA serves as the coordinating body for HIV and AIDS prevention, treatment, and care efforts across the state. Established to strengthen Lagos’ response to the HIV epidemic, the agency works in collaboration with government ministries, development partners, civil society groups, and local community structures.
Content Credit: Ohidah Oluwaferanmi
Image Credit: Bellanaija.com
