The Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA) has urged traditional rulers across the state to take a frontline role in combating HIV, stressing that the epidemic remains both a health and community concern.
LSACA Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Folakemi Animashaun, made the appeal during the monthly meeting of traditional leaders convened by the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs.
She emphasized the urgency of collective leadership in reducing the spread of HIV within Lagos communities.
According to her, more than 160,000 people currently live with HIV in the state, with thousands of new infections recorded annually, particularly among young people and women.
While assuring that HIV is no longer a death sentence due to free testing and treatment services, Dr. Animashaun identified stigma, silence, and misinformation as persistent barriers to progress.
She urged royal fathers to leverage their palaces, cultural festivals, and community gatherings to promote awareness, encourage voluntary testing, and challenge stigma.
She also disclosed that LSACA would expand free testing and counselling services across communities to improve accessibility.
Written by Dolapo Sonuga