The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to combating HIV/AIDS, intensifying efforts across prevention, treatment, and comprehensive support services for those living with the virus.
EpeInsights gathered that this was highlighted during a crucial capacity-building workshop aimed at enhancing the response strategy to HIV in the state.
Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA), Dr. Folakemi Animashaun, delivered the keynote address at the workshop, which was held at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI).
The one-day session was designed to equip stakeholders across various sectors with the necessary knowledge and skills to drive the state’s HIV response forward.
“This capacity-building session is a critical step towards empowering the key players in the HIV response ecosystem in Lagos State,” Dr. Animashaun said.
“Our goal is clear: we aim to control the HIV epidemic and ultimately eliminate it as a public health threat by 2030.”
Themed “Improving HIV Response Through Teamwork and Planning,” the workshop brought together representatives from Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), local government authorities, and HIV-focused networks to address the multifaceted challenge of HIV in the state.
Dr. Animashaun emphasized that the session was not just a typical training exercise but a vital opportunity to foster collaboration among stakeholders, ensuring that Lagos remains at the forefront of the national and global HIV response.
“We cannot operate in silos,” she stressed. “Our collective capacity, fueled by teamwork and knowledge-sharing, is essential to meeting the ambitious UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets. Strengthening our HIV response requires active involvement from every level, from government agencies to local communities.”
The workshop covered a range of topics, including the structure of national and state HIV/AIDS response efforts, strategies for mainstreaming HIV considerations in public sector programs, and the critical role of health educators and action managers.
It also focused on addressing key social issues such as human rights, stigma, and gender-based violence, all of which impact HIV outcomes.
Training facilitator Mrs. Udofia Ufon highlighted the cross-cutting nature of HIV, pointing out that the epidemic affects various sectors, including health, education, agriculture, and economic development.
She advocated a robust, multi-sectoral approach to HIV management, emphasizing the need for HIV to be integrated into the policies, plans, and budgets of all relevant MDAs.
Dr. Animashaun reassured Lagos residents that LSACA remains committed to the full implementation of policies that effectively manage and control HIV in the state.
She also noted that Lagos has one of the highest HIV coverage rates in Nigeria, a success she attributes to strategic collaborations with diverse stakeholders.
The workshop was attended by representatives from a broad spectrum of MDAs and key non-governmental organizations, including NEPWHAN, Heartland Alliance, ASWHAN, APYIN, NKPHRN, CISHAN, and AONN.
As the state prepares to accelerate its efforts to meet its 2030 target, the collaboration between government bodies, civil society organizations, and the private sector will remain critical to overcoming the challenges posed by HIV and ensuring that no one is left behind in the fight against the epidemic.
