Lagos Records Decline in HIV Positivity Rate as Testing Expands, Nearly 148,000 Receive Treatment

By Tgnews Reporter

The Lagos State Government has reported significant progress in its fight against HIV/AIDS, revealing a steady decline in the state’s HIV positivity rate despite a substantial increase in testing and treatment coverage.

According to the latest HIV/AIDS status report released on Friday, Lagos conducted 504,800 HIV tests in 2025, identifying 11,940 positive cases, representing a 2.4 percent positivity rate. The encouraging trend continued into 2026, with 179,229 tests conducted in the first quarter and 3,390 positive cases detected, resulting in a lower 1.9 percent positivity rate.

The figures were made public by the Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, through a post on his social media platform.

Health experts have described the declining positivity rate as a strong indication that ongoing interventions are yielding positive results. Speaking on the development, the Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA), Dr. Folakemi Animashaun, said the data reflects improving control of the epidemic across the state.

She noted that the reduction in the positivity rate, even as testing continues to expand, is a critical epidemiological marker that points to better outcomes in HIV prevention and management efforts.

Dr. Animashaun also highlighted remarkable achievements in treatment services, disclosing that 147,904 people living with HIV were receiving antiretroviral therapy in Lagos as of 2025. Of that number, 97 percent had achieved viral suppression, meaning the virus had been reduced to undetectable levels, significantly lowering the risk of transmission and improving quality of life.

She described the achievement as a major public health milestone and evidence of the effectiveness of Lagos State’s HIV treatment programme.

The latest report underscores the state’s continued commitment to strengthening HIV testing, prevention, and treatment services. Public health officials say the combination of widespread testing, early diagnosis, and sustained access to treatment is helping to reduce new infections while improving outcomes for those living with the virus.