LSACA MOBILISES 57 LGAs, LCDAs FOR STATEWIDE HIV SCREENING
The Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA) has charged the 57 Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas (LGAs/LCDAs) to take greater ownership of the State’s HIV response as it intensifies preparations for statewide HIV screening and a more sustainable HIV programme.
The Chief Executive Officer of LSACA, Dr. Folakemi Animashaun, gave the charge at the SACA–LACA Coordination Meeting held on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, stressing that effective HIV intervention must move beyond the State level and reach communities where people live, work and interact.
Animashaun said the planned statewide screening should not be measured by the number of people tested alone, but by the number of people reached, linked to treatment and retained in care.
She urged stakeholders to deliberately reach underserved communities, markets, schools, workplaces, transport communities, faith-based settings and other locations where people may not routinely access health facilities.
According to her, “The journey does not end with a positive result. In many ways, that is where our responsibility becomes even more important,” stressing the need for prompt linkage to treatment, adherence support and viral load monitoring.
The LSACA boss also called for stronger coordination between the Agency and the LGAs/LCDAs, saying local authorities possess critical knowledge about their communities, health facilities and populations that may otherwise be missed by the State response.
She further emphasised the importance of the Lagos State HIV Sustainability and Strategic Plan 2025–2027, as well as the proposed HIV Sustainability Roadmap 2027–2037, describing sustainability as more than funding.
She said sustainable HIV programming requires stronger institutions, improved data systems, effective supply and procurement mechanisms, integration of HIV services into the broader health system and greater government ownership.
Animashaun urged the LGAs and LCDAs to see themselves as “co-owners” rather than recipients of the State HIV programme, while calling for regular communication and early identification of challenges.
She said the ultimate goal was to ensure that every HIV intervention makes a measurable difference in the lives of people across Lagos State.
“The Lagos HIV response belongs to all of us,” she said, urging stakeholders to work together towards a future where new HIV infections are prevented, people living with HIV receive the care and dignity they deserve, and no one is left behind.
Facilitating the meeting, the Director of Projects, LSACA, Mr. Michael Essien, emphasised the importance of translating the discussions into concrete actions at the local government level. He noted that the effectiveness of the State HIV response depends significantly on how well programmes and policies are understood, coordinated and implemented within communities.
Mr. Essien encouraged representatives of the LGAs/LCDAs to actively contribute their experiences and identify specific challenges affecting HIV service delivery in their areas. He stressed the need for continuous communication between the Agency and local authorities to ensure that gaps are identified promptly and appropriate technical support is provided.
He further underscored the importance of effective preparation for the planned statewide HIV screening exercise, urging stakeholders to ensure that activities are properly coordinated and that persons reached through the exercise are connected to appropriate HIV prevention, treatment and care services.
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