Lagos clarifies reports on 10,430 HIV cases in 2025

Lagos State AIDS Control Agency, LSACA, has clarified reports claiming that Lagos recorded 10,430 HIV cases in 2025, explaining that the figure refers to persons diagnosed through expanded testing services and not fresh infections recorded within the year.

The agency issued the clarification on Tuesday following media reports referencing the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare State of the Health of the Nation Report 2025, which identified Lagos among states with a high HIV burden.

LSACA stated that while the reports had understandably generated concern among residents, the figures should not be interpreted as a sudden rise in new HIV infections across the state.

According to the agency, the 10,430 figure represents individuals who were identified and documented through HIV testing programmes in 2025, many of whom may have been living with the virus long before they became aware of their status.

“The 10,430 cases should not be interpreted as 10,430 new HIV infections that occurred in 2025. Rather, they represent individuals who were diagnosed and recorded through HIV testing services during the year,” the agency stated.

LSACA explained that Lagos, as Nigeria’s commercial centre and most populated state, naturally records a high demand for HIV testing and treatment services due to the influx of residents, workers, students and visitors from different parts of the country.

The agency added that Lagos also operates one of the country’s strongest HIV surveillance, testing and reporting systems, enabling authorities to identify more undiagnosed individuals and connect them with treatment and care services.

“As testing services continue to expand and more people come forward to know their HIV status, more previously undiagnosed cases are identified and linked to life-saving treatment.

“The reported figure should therefore be viewed as evidence of the state’s robust HIV case-finding efforts, expanded access to testing and improved reporting systems, not as an indication that the HIV epidemic is out of control in Lagos,” LSACA said.

The agency reassured residents that the state’s HIV response framework remains effective and well coordinated, noting that it continues to collaborate with the Federal Government, development partners, civil society organisations and healthcare providers to strengthen prevention, testing, treatment and support services.

LSACA also urged residents to remain calm and avoid stigmatising people living with HIV.

The agency stressed that HIV remains preventable, treatable and manageable, adding that early diagnosis and timely treatment allow affected individuals to live healthy and productive lives while significantly reducing transmission risks.

Residents were encouraged to know their HIV status through regular testing, adopt safer sexual practices and utilise available HIV prevention services.

LSACA further advised people living with HIV to remain consistent with their treatment and strictly adhere to prescribed medications.

Reaffirming its commitment to ending the HIV epidemic in Lagos, the agency stated that it would continue implementing evidence-based interventions, deepening community engagement and strengthening partnerships aimed at achieving HIV epidemic control in the state.