Lagos First Lady demands bold action to save HIV fight

Lagos State First Lady, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu has declared open the 7th National Council on AIDS (NCA), urging a bold, coordinated, and sustainable approach to strengthening Nigeria’s HIV response in light of shifting global donor dynamics.

The high-level event, taking place from August 5 to 7, 2025, at the Landmark Event Centre, Lagos, is themed “Advancing the HIV Sustainability Agenda in the Changing Global Policy on Aid.”

Convened in partnership with the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), the council brings together key stakeholders nationwide to map a resilient, locally driven path forward for combating HIV.

Delivering her keynote address, Dr. Sanwo-Olu described the conference theme as both timely and urgent, stressing the need for Nigeria to build domestic capacity as the global health landscape gradually transitions away from traditional aid models.

“This gathering presents a critical opportunity for stakeholders to collaborate and reinforce our national HIV response amid evolving global realities,” she said.

“We must build resilience and strengthen our ability to deliver sustainable solutions, particularly for vulnerable populations like women and girls who remain disproportionately affected,” she added.

She reiterated her commitment to advancing gender-responsive strategies and praised community-led interventions as vital to long-term success.

“Sustainability is key. It’s about empowering local systems, enhancing accountability, and ensuring community ownership,” she added.

Dr. Sanwo-Olu also acknowledged the efforts of NACA and state-level agencies, while urging participants to challenge outdated models and embrace innovative, homegrown strategies.

She spotlighted the “Free to Shine” initiative championed by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, which aims to eliminate HIV, hepatitis, and syphilis across the six geopolitical zones—a campaign Lagos State is actively supporting.

In her address, Dr. Folakemi Animashaun, Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA), called on stakeholders to leverage the moment to reposition the country’s HIV agenda, especially amid dwindling international support.

“Millions of Nigerians still require consistent, stigma-free access to lifesaving HIV services,” she said.

“Lagos may not have it all figured out, but we are intentional in our efforts.”

Dr. Animashaun outlined several strategic interventions by the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration, including expanded access to Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), pilot programmes for long-acting injectable HIV treatments, and reforms in data and budgeting systems to enhance national alignment.

“We are strengthening service delivery across all 20 LGAs and 37 LCDAs, integrating HIV services with mental health, sexual and reproductive health, and responses to gender-based violence,” she noted.

She also expressed heartfelt appreciation to the First Lady for her consistent advocacy for health equity and her commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of women, children, and other vulnerable groups.

The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Adekunle Salako, represented by the Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Prof. John Obafunwa, stated that AIDS is often associated with other diseases such as tuberculosis and diabetes.

He affirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to partnering with the National Council on AIDS to advance research and strengthen proactive responses to the epidemic.

The Director-General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS and Chairperson of the Council, Dr. Temitope Ilori, emphasised the need for state and local government committees to rise to the occasion by strengthening the system holistically.

She stressed the importance of effectively engaging health and social workers in the HIV response to sustain the progress achieved over the years.

Members of the Diplomatic Corps present at the event urged stakeholders to continue leveraging the power of collaboration in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

They called for sustained efforts in exploring opportunities, raising awareness, and ensuring that no one is left behind.

The event, which featured panel discussions, drama presentations, and other activities, was attended by traditional and religious leaders, state government officials, and representatives of civil society organisations.