Lagos empowers 500 PLHIV, steps up response on World AIDS Day
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He noted that World AIDS Day, observed globally on December 1, is a moment to honour those lost to AIDS-related illnesses, reaffirm support for PLHIV, and recommit to universal access to quality healthcare.
More than 500 People Living with HIV (PLHIV) in Lagos have benefitted from a series of empowerment initiatives implemented by the Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA), underscoring the state government’s sustained commitment to improving the socio-economic wellbeing of vulnerable groups.
The milestone was announced on Monday during a special Empowerment Programme held at the Lagos State House of Assembly Pavilion, Alausa, as part of activities marking the 2025 World AIDS Day.
This year’s event, featuring an awareness walk and an empowerment fair, was themed “Overcoming Disruptions; Sustaining Nigeria’s HIV Response.”
It brought together beneficiaries, community leaders, development partners, civil society organisations, and health professionals in a collective show of solidarity and resilience.
Delivering the keynote address, the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Chief of Staff, Mr Kadiri Semiu Oluwasanu, commended Lagos State for recording steady progress in reducing new HIV infections.
He attributed the gains to strengthened healthcare systems, consistent government interventions, and sustained grassroots engagement.
He noted that World AIDS Day, observed globally on December 1, is a moment to honour those lost to AIDS-related illnesses, reaffirm support for PLHIV, and recommit to universal access to quality healthcare.
According to him, Lagos will continue to prioritise partnerships with communities, development organisations, and private-sector actors to accelerate progress towards an HIV-free state.
“Sustained collaboration remains essential to ensuring no one is left behind in the HIV response,” he said.
Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of LSACA, Dr Folakemi Animashaun, emphasised that economic empowerment remains critical to reducing vulnerability and strengthening long-term resilience among PLHIV.
She explained that empowerment helps beneficiaries achieve dignity, independence, and improved quality of life—complementing the clinical services they receive.
Animashaun revealed that the 2025 empowerment package included sewing machines, ovens, deep freezers, gas cookers, hair dryers, sterilizers, and cash grants for elderly beneficiaries.
She described the initiative as part of LSACA’s annual World AIDS Day commitment to equip affected individuals with practical tools needed to build stable livelihoods.
“HIV support must go beyond medication. Empowerment restores hope and enables beneficiaries to contribute meaningfully to society,” she said.
“Today’s programme reflects our dedication to ensuring they not only survive but thrive—socially and economically.”
She added that the intervention aligns with Lagos State’s broader vision of eliminating stigma and discrimination, while fostering inclusion and equal opportunities for all residents.
The awareness walk, held earlier in the day, drew hundreds of participants from various sectors, amplifying messages on prevention, treatment adherence, stigma reduction, and sustained community support.
With the successes recorded through the empowerment programme and the 2025 World AIDS Day activities, LSACA reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s resolve to work closely with partners and communities to accelerate the journey toward an HIV-free generation.
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