Lagos deepens HIV awareness drive among Persons with Disabilities

The Lagos State Government has intensified efforts to promote inclusive healthcare by organizing a sensitization programme on HIV prevention and stigma reduction for persons with hearing and visual impairments.

The initiative, spearheaded by the Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA), brought together members of the disability community, healthcare stakeholders and advocates at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) to enhance awareness on HIV prevention and improve access to disability-friendly healthcare services.

Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of LSACA, Dr. Folakemi Animashaun, said the programme underscores the state’s commitment to ensuring that all residents, irrespective of their physical abilities, have equal access to quality healthcare and life-saving health information.

She noted that persons with disabilities often face unique challenges in accessing healthcare services, including communication barriers, social exclusion, stigma and discrimination, factors that can limit access to HIV prevention, testing, treatment and support services.

According to Animashaun, the sensitization programme was designed to bridge these gaps by equipping participants with accurate information on HIV prevention, testing, treatment and care while also promoting their rights to healthcare without discrimination.

“As Lagos continues its efforts to end HIV as a public health threat, it is important that we address the specific challenges faced by persons with disabilities and ensure that no one is left behind,” she said.

The programme featured presentations on the current HIV situation in Lagos State, HIV prevention strategies, stigma and discrimination, gender-based violence, and the rights of persons with disabilities in accessing healthcare services. Participants were also taken through practical demonstrations on HIV self-testing and condom use, as well as referral procedures for accessing medical and support services.

Animashaun encouraged participants to actively contribute to discussions, stressing that their experiences and perspectives are critical to building a more inclusive healthcare system.

“Your voices, experiences and perspectives are invaluable in helping us build a more inclusive and responsive HIV response in Lagos State,” she stated.

She reaffirmed LSACA’s commitment to expanding equitable access to HIV-related services and strengthening partnerships that support disability-inclusive healthcare delivery across the state.

One of the participants, Mr. Kingsley Njoku, described the programme as timely and impactful, commending the Lagos State Government for recognising the needs of persons with disabilities.

“HIV does not discriminate between persons with disabilities and those without disabilities. This programme is very good, and we appeal to the government to always include persons with disabilities in every programme,” he said.

The sensitization exercise forms part of LSACA’s broader strategy to reduce HIV-related stigma, promote inclusion and ensure that all Lagos residents have access to the information and healthcare services needed to lead healthy and productive lives.