As part of its efforts to eradicate the epidemic and improve the outcomes for People Living with HIV/AIDs, the Lagos State Government has launched the Nigeria State-Level Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) Impact Survey (AIS), a household-based initiative designed to measure HIV treatment coverage and viral load suppression in the state.
The survey, scheduled to run from October to December 2025, will cover 6,150 households across 20 local government areas, targeting 11,354 residents aged 15–64 years.
Speaking at the news briefing, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, who stated that the AIS is a critical milestone in the fight against HIV/AIDS, said that its findings would guide policies, strengthen health systems, and close treatment gaps.
According to Dr. Ogboye, “The survey has three objectives measuring the number of people living with HIV identified, the proportion on life-saving antiretroviral therapy, and the percentage who have achieved viral suppression, explaining that, Viral suppression means the virus in the blood is so low it cannot be transmitted to others”.
Dr. Ogboye assured that all interviews, counseling, and rapid tests would be conducted confidentially, with results provided immediately.
He said, “Households were randomly selected, so this is not about marking homes with HIV. It is a representative, scientific exercise to reassess progress and improve resource allocation,”.
He explained that Lagos currently has about 135,225 people on HIV treatment, with 75 percent achieving viral suppression, adding that the survey would update these figures and identify gaps as the state works toward the 2030 global goal of ending HIV as a public health threat.
The Director of Disease Control, Dr. Victoria Egunjobi, urged residents to welcome the exercise without fear of stigma.
She said, “Gone are the days when HIV was shrouded in silence. People living with HIV deserve dignity, respect, and access to care. Our goal is to strengthen retention in treatment and improve health outcomes”.
Deputy Director at the U.S. CDC Nigeria, Dr. Ibrahim Dalhatu, reaffirmed America’s support through PEPFAR funding, saying, “This is not just about data but about people—families and communities who will benefit from the outcomes.”
Representing the NASCP, Dr. Chioma Ukanwa described the AIS as a globally recognised tool for epidemic control, noting it would help Lagos design sustainable financing models and close coverage gaps.
In his remarks, the Deputy CEO of APIN Public Health Initiatives, Dr. Jay Osi-Samuels, mentioned that the survey was “a homegrown exercise, by Nigerians, for Nigerians,” drawing lessons from a similar project in Akwa Ibom.
Also, Dr. Williams Nwachukwu of the NCDC emphasised Lagos’ strategic importance: “Every family in Nigeria has a representative in Lagos.
“The success of this survey will shape Nigeria’s journey toward HIV epidemic control.”
Lagos State HIV/AIDS and STI Programme Coordinator, Dr. Oladipupo Fisher, expressed gratitude to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and partners for their support, stressing that the exercise was timely.
“The survey puts HIV intervention at the doorstep of Lagosians. We urge residents to cooperate with field teams because the success of this exercise depends on community acceptance,” he said.
Officials stressed that participation would directly contribute to saving lives and achieving an HIV-free Lagos by 2030.
Reporting by Julie Ekong