Lagos to Host 7th National Council on AIDS, Reaffirms Leadership in National HIV Response

Lagos to Host 7th National Council on AIDS, Reaffirms Leadership in National HIV Response Lagos to Host 7th National Council on AIDS, Reaffirms Leadership in National HIV Response

The Lagos State Government has restated its firm commitment to Nigeria’s fight against HIV/AIDS as it prepares to host the 7th National Council on AIDS (NCA), a critical national forum bringing together key stakeholders in the country’s HIV response.

EpeInsights reports that the council meeting is scheduled to take place from August 5 to 7, 2025, at the Landmark Event Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos.

In a statement signed by the Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA), Dr. Folakemi Animashaun, the agency emphasized that the three-day event would convene senior officials from federal and state health ministries, development partners, civil society organizations and community-based groups.

The goal is to assess progress, confront emerging challenges and chart a path forward for a more resilient and effective national HIV strategy.

According to Dr. Animashaun, the Council will be officially declared open on August 5 by the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs.) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, while the closing address on August 7 will be delivered by the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

A gala night is also planned to celebrate outstanding individuals and organisations that have made significant contributions to the national HIV response.

Dr. Animashaun noted that this year’s Council comes at a critical time, especially as international donor funding for HIV programs continues to decline.

She stressed the importance of shifting toward sustainable, homegrown solutions to protect past gains and accelerate progress toward ending AIDS in Nigeria by 2030.

She also underscored Lagos State’s pride in hosting the event, stating that the Council provides a strategic opportunity to reinforce the state’s role in leading transformative HIV policy and programs.

Lagos State has long been recognized as a leader in Nigeria’s HIV response. With an HIV prevalence rate of approximately 1.3 percent, the state has championed innovative approaches, including community-based testing, integration of HIV services into primary healthcare, youth-targeted awareness campaigns, distribution of HIV self-testing kits and digital tracking of antiretroviral treatment coverage.

These interventions, among others, have positioned Lagos as a model for other states in implementing sustainable HIV programs.

The upcoming Council is expected to play a crucial role in reshaping Nigeria’s HIV response in light of financial and logistical challenges.

Experts anticipate that the forum will also explore opportunities for integrating HIV services with broader health initiatives, such as reproductive health, tuberculosis, and non-communicable disease control.

The Lagos government believes that multi-sectoral collaboration and shared responsibility are vital to achieving the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets and ending AIDS as a public health threat in Nigeria.

Dr. Animashaun urged all stakeholders—government institutions, the private sector, international partners, and local communities to actively participate in the Council and contribute to shaping a more inclusive, resilient, and impactful HIV response.

The 7th National Council on AIDS will culminate in the adoption of new resolutions and action plans aimed at reinforcing Nigeria’s health system and strengthening the country’s commitment to eliminating HIV/AIDS as a major public health concern.

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