HIV: Religious Leaders Urged to Lead Fight Against Stigma as LSACA Drives Community Action

The Lagos State Government, through the Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA), has called on religious leaders across the state to become champions of HIV prevention and advocates against HIV-related stigma within their communities.

The call was made during a Sensitization Workshop for Religious Leaders on HIV and AIDS Prevention and HIV-Related Stigma held at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Alausa, Ikeja. 

Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of LSACA, Dr. Folakemi Animashaun, highlighted the influential role faith leaders play in shaping public attitudes, promoting healthy behaviours, and fostering compassion for people living with HIV.

Dr. Animashaun noted that despite remarkable progress in HIV treatment and care, stigma and discrimination continue to hinder efforts to end the epidemic. She stressed that fear of rejection and misinformation often discourage individuals from accessing testing, treatment, and support services.

“HIV is no longer a death sentence. People living with HIV can live long, healthy and productive lives with treatment. However, stigma continues to prevent many people from testing, seeking care, and speaking openly about their status,” she said.

The Chief Executive officer commended the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, for his unwavering support for public health initiatives, noting that the workshop reflects the administration’s commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of all Lagos residents.

According to her, religious institutions remain trusted centres of influence and are strategically positioned to promote accurate HIV information, encourage voluntary testing, support treatment adherence, and challenge harmful misconceptions about the disease.

“Health education does not weaken faith; it protects lives, families, and communities. Together, we can build a Lagos where people are not afraid to know their status, where no one is rejected because of their health condition, and where compassion guides our response to HIV,” Dr. Animashaun added.

Also speaking at the event, the representative of the National Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Dr. Ahmad Saheed, cautioned religious leaders against offering unverified remedies or medical advice that could endanger the health of individuals living with HIV and other health conditions. He emphasized the importance of professional medical care and urged faith leaders to continually update their knowledge on public health matters to better serve their congregations.

“A well-informed religious leader understands the need for professional medical care and is better positioned to support affected individuals with compassion and accurate guidance,” he stated.

In his remarks, the Presiding Chaplain of Chapel of Christ the Light, Alausa, Rev. Dr. Ajayi, described the sensitization programme as timely and impactful. He underscored the critical role of religious leaders in promoting HIV awareness, combating stigma, and supporting people living with HIV.

“This training for religious leaders is a very wonderful one and very much needed at a time like this. Programmes like this educate us and help us to push advocacy further, especially for those of us who have the privilege and opportunity to address people regularly,” he said.

The workshop forms part of LSACA’s ongoing efforts to strengthen community participation in HIV prevention and stigma reduction, leveraging the influence of faith-based institutions to promote a healthier, more inclusive, and stigma-free Lagos.