Over 500 PLHIV Empowered as LSACA Leads 2025 World AIDS Day Walk, Expands Support Programme Across Lagos

By Sultan

The Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA) has announced that more than 500 People Living with HIV (PLHIV) have benefitted from its empowerment initiatives in recent years—an achievement that underscores the Lagos State Government’s ongoing commitment to strengthening socio-economic support for residents affected by HIV.

This was revealed on Monday during a special Empowerment Programme held at the Lagos State House of Assembly Pavilion, Alausa, as part of the activities marking the 2025 World AIDS Day.

A Day of Awareness, Solidarity and Support

The 2025 World AIDS Day programme, themed **“Overcoming Disruptions; Sustaining Nigeria’s HIV Response,”** featured an awareness walk and an expanded empowerment session that brought together beneficiaries, community leaders, development partners, health professionals, and civil society groups. The event emphasized Lagos State’s dedication to resilience, improved healthcare access, and enhanced quality of life for PLHIV.

Government Reaffirms Commitment to an HIV-Free Lagos

In his keynote address, the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Chief of Staff, **Mr. Kadiri Semiu Oluwasanu**, highlighted Lagos State’s progress in reducing HIV infections. He attributed these achievements to strengthened healthcare structures, consistent interventions, and robust community involvement.

Mr. Kadiri stressed the importance of sustained collaboration among government institutions, stakeholders, and residents in driving the state toward an HIV-free future. He described World AIDS Day as a moment to honour those lost to AIDS-related illnesses, support people living with HIV, and reinforce the push for universal access to quality healthcare.

He reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s pledge to ensure inclusiveness in its HIV response strategies, stating that no one will be left behind.

Empowerment as a Tool for Dignity and Independence

Earlier, LSACA’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Folakemi Animashaun, emphasised that economic empowerment remains central to reducing vulnerability among PLHIV. She explained that empowerment fosters self-reliance, restores dignity, and strengthens resilience.

Dr. Animashaun disclosed that the 2025 empowerment package featured a range of vocational and support items including sewing machines, deep freezers, ovens, gas cookers, hair dryers, sterilizers, as well as cash assistance for elderly beneficiaries.

She noted that the programme goes beyond clinical care by equipping individuals with tools to build sustainable livelihoods.

“Today’s programme reflects our dedication to ensuring that beneficiaries not only survive but thrive socially and economically. We remain committed to building healthier, stronger, and more self-reliant communities across Lagos,” she stated.

The initiative, she added, aligns with the state’s long-term vision of eliminating stigma and discrimination while promoting inclusion and equal opportunities.

Driving Toward an HIV-Free Generation

With the combined force of the Awareness Walk and the Empowerment Programme, LSACA has once again demonstrated the Lagos State Government’s resolve to collaborate with community members, development partners, and civil society organisations to sustain progress toward an HIV-free generation.

The 2025 World AIDS Day events reaffirmed that through collective effort, continuous empowerment, and improved healthcare systems, Lagos remains on a strong path toward ending

 AIDS as a public health challenge.

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