Lagos Debunks HIV Figures, Announces Direct ARV Procurement

The Lagos State Government has refuted widespread reports of 10,430 new HIV infections in 2025, clarifying that the figure represents newly diagnosed cases, not fresh infections. Dr. Folakemi Animashaun, CEO of the Lagos State AIDS Control Agency, stated that the misinterpretation risked causing unnecessary panic.

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The number widely reported refers to newly diagnosed HIV-positive cases, not necessarily new infections that occurred within the year. These are two very different public health indicators.

Animashaun explained that the high number of diagnoses reflects Lagos's status as Nigeria's most populous state and a major healthcare hub, leading to high testing volumes and patient referrals. She emphasized that stronger surveillance systems and wider healthcare access result in higher case detection, which should not be mistaken for worsening epidemic control.

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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.

To underscore progress, Lagos conducted 504,800 HIV tests in 2025, identifying 11,940 positive cases with a 2.4% positivity rate. In the first quarter of 2026, testing increased, but the positivity rate dropped to 0.9%, a significant indicator of improving epidemic control.

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The declining positivity rate despite expanded testing is a significant epidemiological indicator that reflects improving epidemic control.

In a significant policy shift, Lagos has begun directly procuring antiretroviral drugs to ensure uninterrupted treatment access. This makes it the first sub-national government in Nigeria to independently purchase ARVs, with the first batch expected by the end of August 2026. Currently, 147,904 individuals are receiving treatment in Lagos, with 97% achieving viral suppression.

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This marks a historic milestone, making Lagos State the first sub-national government in Nigeria to independently procure antiretroviral medicines for people living with HIV.