The Lagos State Government has commenced a large-scale HIV impact survey aimed at gathering reliable data on the prevalence and treatment outcomes of the disease across the state. The survey, which targets 11,397 residents, is being conducted in partnership with national and international health agencies to strengthen evidence-based planning and improve the fight against HIV/AIDS.
According to officials from the Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA), the survey is part of efforts to evaluate progress made in reducing HIV transmission and expanding access to treatment. The data collected will provide vital insights into the state’s response to the epidemic and help identify areas where more interventions are needed.
Dr. Monsurat Adeleke, Director-General of LSACA, explained that the survey would cut across different communities, ensuring inclusivity and representation of various demographics. She noted that the findings would be crucial in measuring the effectiveness of existing HIV programs and guiding the state’s next steps toward achieving the global target of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
Health workers and trained field officers have already been deployed across selected local government areas to carry out interviews, testing, and counseling as part of the exercise. Residents are being encouraged to cooperate with the teams, as their participation will contribute significantly to improving the quality of HIV services in the state.
Officials also stressed that the survey process will be conducted under strict ethical standards, with confidentiality guaranteed for all participants. They assured residents that the information provided would only be used for research and planning purposes, not for any form of stigmatization or discrimination.
Civil society organizations and community leaders have welcomed the initiative, describing it as a bold step toward strengthening Lagos’ leadership role in Nigeria’s HIV response. They urged residents to take part in the exercise, emphasizing that accurate data is essential for channeling resources and interventions to where they are most needed.
With Lagos accounting for a significant portion of Nigeria’s HIV burden, the state government reaffirmed its commitment to reducing new infections, scaling up treatment, and supporting affected persons. The HIV impact survey, officials said, represents a critical milestone in shaping a healthier future for residents and achieving the broader goal of ending HIV in Nigeria.
