The Lagos State Government has announced a decline in the state’s HIV positivity rate, revealing that 11,940 people tested positive for the virus in 2025 despite a significant expansion of its testing programme.
The government said the encouraging trend suggests improved control of the HIV epidemic, with more residents accessing testing and treatment services across the state.
According to the latest HIV/AIDS situation report released on Friday, Lagos conducted 504,800 HIV tests in 2025, identifying 11,940 positive cases, representing a positivity rate of 2.4 per cent.
The report also showed that between January and March 2026, the state carried out 179,229 HIV tests and recorded 3,390 positive cases, with the positivity rate dropping further to 1.9 per cent.
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 X handle.
Commenting on the development, the Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State AIDS Control Agency, Dr Folakemi Animashaun, described the declining positivity rate as a positive public health indicator.
She said, “The declining positivity rate, despite expanded testing, is a significant epidemiological indicator that reflects improving epidemic control.”
Animashaun also disclosed that 147,904 persons living with HIV were receiving antiretroviral therapy across Lagos as of 2025.
According to her, 97 per cent of those on treatment have achieved viral suppression, a milestone she said underscores the effectiveness of the state’s HIV response.
“Furthermore, as of 2025, 147,904 persons were receiving antiretroviral therapy across Lagos State, with 97 per cent achieving viral suppression. This represents a major public health milestone and demonstrates the effectiveness of the state’s HIV treatment programme,” she said.
The latest report indicates that while Lagos continues to expand access to HIV testing, the proportion of positive cases among those tested is declining, with health authorities attributing the trend to improved prevention, early diagnosis and effective treatment interventions.
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