The Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA) has clarified recent reports claiming that Lagos recorded the highest number of HIV cases in Nigeria in 2025, stressing that the widely circulated figures have been misinterpreted.
Speaking at a press briefing in Ikeja, LSACA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Folakemi Animashaun explained that the reported figure of 10,430 refers to newly diagnosed HIV-positive cases, not people who became infected with HIV during 2025. She said the distinction is important and urged the public not to panic.
According to the agency, newly diagnosed cases include individuals who may have contracted HIV years earlier but only recently got tested. The figure also includes patients referred from other states and people who travelled to Lagos to access the state’s extensive HIV testing and treatment services. As Nigeria’s most populous state and a major healthcare referral centre, Lagos naturally records higher testing and diagnosis numbers than many other states.
Dr. Animashaun noted that confusing diagnosis figures with new infections could fuel unnecessary fear, increase stigma against people living with HIV, and discourage residents from getting tested. She added that stronger surveillance systems and expanded access to healthcare often lead to more diagnoses rather than indicating a worsening HIV epidemic.
The agency also highlighted progress in the state’s HIV response. In 2025, Lagos conducted more than 504,000 HIV tests, identified nearly 12,000 positive cases, and recorded a 2.4% positivity rate. It also reported that 97% of people receiving antiretroviral treatment in the state have achieved viral suppression, while the rate of mother-to-child HIV transmission continues to decline.
LSACA encouraged residents to continue accessing HIV testing, prevention, and treatment services while relying on verified public health information rather than misleading interpretations The Lagos State AIDS Control Agency has clarified that the 10,430 HIV cases reported in 2025 represent newly diagnosed cases, not new infections, urging residents not to panic.
Lagos HIV cases 2025, LSACA, HIV Nigeria, Dr. Folakemi Animashaun, HIV diagnosis, Lagos health news, HIV testing, antiretroviral therapy, HIV prevention
The Tori (Pidgin)
Title: Lagos Government Say HIV Figure Wey People Dey Share No Mean New Infections
Lagos State AIDS Control Agency don clear the air about reports wey say Lagos record the highest HIV cases for Nigeria in 2025.
According to the agency, the 10,430 figure no mean say all those people catch HIV for 2025. Na people wey test positive during the year, and many of them fit don get the virus long before dem come know their status.
LSACA talk say because Lagos get plenty hospitals and people from different states dey come there for testing and treatment, the state naturally records more HIV diagnoses than many other places.
The agency advise residents make dem no panic, continue to test regularly, and ignore wrong information wey fit create fear or increase stigma against people living with HIV.
