Lagos clarifies HIV figures, says 10,430 cases not new infections

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

The Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA) has clarified reports indicating that Lagos recorded 10,430 HIV cases in 2025, stressing that the figure represents people diagnosed through expanded testing services rather than new infections recorded within the year.

The agency issued the clarification on Tuesday following media reports citing the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare’s State of the Health of the Nation Report 2025, which listed Lagos among states with a high HIV burden.

LSACA said the reported figure had generated understandable public concern but cautioned against interpreting it as evidence of a surge in fresh HIV infections across the state.

According to the agency, the 10,430 cases comprise individuals who were diagnosed and documented through HIV testing services in 2025, many of whom might have been living with the virus for months or even years before learning their status.

“The 10,430 cases should not be interpreted as 10,430 new HIV infections that occurred in 2025. Rather, they represent individuals who were diagnosed and recorded through HIV testing services during the year,” the agency said.

LSACA explained that Lagos, being Nigeria’s most populous state and commercial hub, naturally attracts millions of residents, workers, students and visitors from across the country, making it one of the states with the highest demand for HIV testing and treatment services.

It added that Lagos also operates one of Nigeria’s strongest HIV surveillance, testing and reporting systems, which has enabled health authorities to identify more previously undiagnosed persons and link them to treatment.

“As testing services continue to expand and more people come forward to know their HIV status, more previously undiagnosed cases are identified and linked to life-saving treatment.

“The reported figure should therefore be viewed as evidence of the state’s robust HIV case-finding efforts, expanded access to testing and improved reporting systems—not as an indication that the HIV epidemic is out of control in Lagos,” the agency stated.

LSACA reassured residents that the state’s HIV response remains coordinated and effective, noting that it continues to work closely with the Federal Government, development partners, civil society organisations and healthcare providers to strengthen HIV prevention, testing, treatment, care and support services.

The agency urged residents to remain calm, avoid panic and reject all forms of stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV.

It emphasised that HIV is preventable, treatable and manageable, adding that early diagnosis and prompt access to treatment enable people living with the virus to live long, healthy and productive lives while significantly reducing the risk of transmission.

LSACA encouraged residents to know their HIV status through regular testing, adopt safer sexual practices and take advantage of available HIV prevention services.

It also advised people living with HIV to remain on treatment and adhere strictly to their prescribed medications.

Reaffirming its commitment to ending the epidemic in the state, the agency said it would continue implementing evidence-based interventions, expanding community engagement and strengthening partnerships with stakeholders to achieve HIV epidemic control in Lagos.