Lagos Intensifies HIV prevention efforts with outreach

In a continued effort to ensure inclusive healthcare delivery and controlling the spread and stigma of HIV and AIDS, the Lagos State Government, through the Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA), has launched a two-day targeted sensitization campaign for persons with hearing and visual impairments.

The sensitization outreach, scheduled to hold at Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Alausa-Ikeja, from July 22 to 23, 2025, is part of the agency’s inclusive approach to HIV and AIDS prevention, awareness, and stigma reduction among marginalized and vulnerable groups.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Chief Executive Officer of LSACA, Dr Folakemi Animashaun stated that the initiative reflects the Lagos State Government’s firm resolve to ensure that no one is left behind in the management and control of HIV and AIDS in the state.

“Inclusion is not an act of charity; it is an act of justice,” she noted, praising the administration of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu for its unwavering commitment to equity under the THEMES+ development agenda. She stated.

Animashaun highlighted that people with disabilities, especially the visually and hearing impaired, face systemic challenges in accessing health information and services, an issue that increases their vulnerability to HIV and related stigma.

Animashaun disclosed further that the event has been strategically tailored to educate participants on HIV prevention strategies that are practical and inclusive, discuss how to manage and stop stigmatization with a specific attention to how these messages can be better communicated and accessed by persons with hearing and visual impairments.

“This programme,” she emphasized, “is not only about providing information. It is about empowering a community to be active participants and advocates in the HIV response. We are committed to achieving zero new infections, zero discrimination, and zero AIDS-related deaths in Lagos State. Reaching people with disabilities is critical to achieving this goal,” she said.

While emphasizing the all inclusive system of governance approach of the present administration, the Chief Executive officer stated that the state Government has translated essential information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials into braille to ensure that visually impaired individuals have access to comprehensive knowledge on HIV and AIDS Prevention, Management and Control and also make provisions for sign language interpreters for effective information dissemination for the hearing impaired.