The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to strengthening the state’s HIV response strategy, with renewed efforts aimed at prevention, treatment, and support services for people living with HIV.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State AIDS Control Agency, Dr. Folakemi Animashaun who disclosed this in her welcome address during a one-day capacity building session for relevant stakeholders in the state, held at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) emphasized the government’s resolve to achieve epidemic control and eliminate HIV as a public health threat by 2030.
Dr. Animashaun stated further that the capacity building session, tagged "Improving HIV Response Through Teamwork and Planning," is a step in the right direction, as it is designed to provide both theoretical insights and practical applications to enhance the capacity of all relevant stakeholders in the state. She added that active participation of HIV networks is vital in implementing sustainable HIV and AIDS programs in the state.
"This workshop aims to enhance the capacity of focal persons across Line Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), local government representatives, and HIV networks to better integrate, plan, and implement sustainable HIV and AIDS programs in line with the state’s strategic objectives."
"The gathering here today is not just another workshop. It's an opportunity for us to reconnect and come together as critical stakeholders to move the HIV response in the state forward," she said. Dr. Animashaun emphasized the importance of collaboration and sustained knowledge-sharing among stakeholders in achieving the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets, as the government aims to achieve excellence in its approach and ensure that necessary measures are taken in the management and control of HIV, in accordance with best practices worldwide.
"Strengthening our collective capacity is essential to delivering HIV prevention, treatment, and care services effectively across all communities in Lagos State. We cannot work in isolation; engaging local communities is critical to overcoming barriers to testing and treatment. Together, we can create a supportive environment for those affected by HIV," she said.
The Chief Executive Officer stated further that the training session featured presentations and interactive discussions on topics including an overview of the national and state HIV and AIDS response architecture, practical strategies for mainstreaming HIV within public sector programming, the role of health educators and action managers in HIV programming, and approaches to addressing human rights, stigma, and gender-based violence in the workplace and communities.
While assuring residents that the agency will not relent in policy implementation geared towards effective management and control of HIV, Dr. Animashaun noted that Lagos is one of the states with the highest HIV coverage in Nigeria, a position it attained through strategic collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
The event brought together representatives from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), along with NEPWHAN, Heartland Alliance, ASWHAN, APYIN, NKPHRN, CISHAN, and AONN, serving as a platform to review progress, identify gaps, and chart a way forward for improved service delivery.
Mrs. Udofia Ufon, the facilitator of the training, emphasized that HIV is a cross-cutting issue impacting various sectors, including health, education, agriculture, economic development, social welfare, and governance. She advocated for a multi-sectoral approach, underscoring the importance of mainstreaming HIV by integrating it into the policies, plans, programs, and budgets of all relevant MDAs.
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