Over 135,000 Residents Living with HIV in lagos, Says Health Commissioner

Over 135,000 Residents Living with HIV in lagos, Says Health Commissioner

 April 24, 2025

In a stark reminder of Lagos State’s ongoing public health challenges, Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, announced that more than 135,000 residents are currently living with HIV. The disclosure came during a press briefing held to mark the second anniversary of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term.

“135,224 people in Lagos are living with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus,” Abayomi revealed, as he emphasized the state’s ramped-up response to the epidemic through intensified community engagement.

One notable intervention is the mobilization of over 100 religious leaders as HIV and AIDS ambassadors—a strategic move to combat stigma and enhance awareness across local communities.

“We are using trusted voices to drive education, testing, and treatment in our communities,” the Commissioner said.

Beyond HIV, the Lagos State Government is also confronting other critical health concerns. Over 154,000 women have received free cervical cancer screenings, with 8,613 undergoing thermal ablation treatment. Prostate cancer screenings have reached 300 men, while over 312,000 residents were screened for hypertension and diabetes.

Abayomi highlighted an alarming trend: about 20% of the population is hypertensive, and 70% of those affected are unaware of their condition. He also reported that Lagos has a 12% obesity rate and 6% diabetes prevalence, with half of those living with diabetes unaware of their status.