… As Lagos Backs Federal Initiative to Evaluate HIV Response Progress
In a decisive step towards strengthening HIV intervention efforts in Lagos State, a delegation from the Federal Ministry of Health’s National HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, and Sexually Transmitted Infections Control Programme (NASCP) paid an advocacy visit to the Lagos State Ministry of Health today.
The delegation included the representatives of prominent national health bodies such as the National AIDS Control Agency (NACA), the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), and the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) through the U.S. Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and APIN Public Health Initiatives.
The purpose of this advocacy visit was to lay the groundwork for the upcoming 2025 Population-based Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) Impact Survey (AIS) implementation in Lagos State.
Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye along with key figures from the State health sector, welcomed the delegation. Among those present were the Permanent Secretary, Lagos Health District II, Dr. Dayo Lajide, Permanent Secretary, Lagos Health District V, Dr. Dapo Asiyanbi, Permanent Secretary, Lagos Health District VI, Dr. Abimbola Mabogunje, and the Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA), Dr. Folakemi Animashaun. The AIS aims to evaluate the effectiveness of ART and monitor critical HIV-related indicators across the state.
Dr. Ogboye expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts, emphasising the importance of a data-driven approach in addressing the HIV epidemic in Lagos. He noted that the survey would involve approximately 4,000 households, reaching an estimated 8,000 individuals aged 15 to 64.
He noted that Lagos is a strategically important location for the survey due to its leadership in public health and economic influence, positioning it to set an example for other states. The AIS has its origins in the 2018 Nigeria AIDS Indicator and Impact Survey, which provided a baseline for understanding HIV prevalence and viral suppression across Nigeria. Lagos State reported a prevalence rate of 1.4%, with more than 170,000 residents living with HIV. Dr. Ogboye pointed out that the upcoming survey would help measure progress against these previous findings and align with the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets, which aim to ensure that 95% of those with HIV are diagnosed, treated, and have viral suppression.
Dr. Ogboye emphasised the potential impact of the AIS on Lagos’s public health landscape, stating, “This survey is more than just a data collection effort; it’s a commitment to every resident affected by HIV in our state. We are dedicated to providing a foundation that allows every individual living with HIV to thrive with dignity and support.”
Representatives from NACA and PEPFAR echoed the call for a collaborative approach, with the latter announcing that Ambassador John Kanga, Global AIDS Coordinator and Senior Bureau Official for Global Health Authority, would visit Lagos in December. Kanga’s visit, according to a PEPFAR representative, is expected to emphasise sustainability in Nigeria’s HIV response, underscoring Lagos State’s commitment to owning and maintaining the progress made.
The Deputy Director of the NCDC’s Public Health Laboratory, Dr. Amos Dangana said, “The AIS is a critical tool for collecting biological and behavioural data that is essential for monitoring and managing HIV transmission”. He added that the initiative would help improve testing coverage and better understand HIV prevalence across Nigeria.
During the meeting, the Deputy CEO of Programmes for APIN Public Health Initiatives and Principal Investigator for the PHIS3 Project, Dr. Jay Osi Samuel elaborated on the role of community engagement. He emphasised that the success of the AIS hinges on strong community involvement, trust, and collaborative partnerships with local stakeholders, particularly in securing access to the selected households and ensuring data accuracy.
PEPFAR’s representative also applauded Lagos for its ongoing support for international health programmes, noting the state’s dedication to meeting Global Fund counterpart funding requirements despite other pressing health challenges. This commitment, she said, demonstrates the state’s resolve to address HIV and AIDS comprehensively and sustainably.
As part of the AIS process, the Lagos State Ministry of Health, with its federal and international partners, will conduct laboratory assessments, community mapping, and targeted advocacy. Training sessions and site assessments are scheduled between November 3 and 9, 2024. The survey itself will gather detailed data, including viral load suppression rates, HIV prevalence, and demographic information that will help inform future health interventions.
The advocacy visit represents a step forward in Nigeria’s goal to end HIV as a public health threat by 2030. As Lagos prepares to embark on this ambitious survey, it reiterates the state’s position as a leader in data-driven, impactful public health initiatives. The findings from the 2025 AIS are expected to play a significant role in shaping Nigeria’s HIV response and ensuring that health programmes continue to address the evolving needs of affected communities.
