Lagos HIV survey reports awareness gap among adults living with virus
About four in 10 adults aged 15–64 living with HIV were unaware of their status, according to published survey findings.
About four in 10 adults aged 15–64 living with HIV in Lagos were unaware of their status, according to published accounts of the state’s 2025–2026 Antiretroviral Therapy Impact Survey.
The findings were presented in Ikeja on November 4. Reports put awareness at 58.3 per cent, leaving 41.7 per cent unaware of their status. These figures concern adults living with HIV—not the general population of Lagos.
The survey reportedly ran from November 2025 to February 2026. Its results describe that period, rather than the number of people living with HIV today.
Treatment uptake among those who knew their status
Leadership reports that 93.4 per cent of adults who knew they were living with HIV were receiving antiretroviral treatment.
Among those receiving treatment, 88.9 per cent had achieved viral load suppression.
The distinction matters: 93.4 per cent measures treatment among people aware of their status. The 88.9 per cent figure measures suppression among people on treatment.
Neither percentage applies to everyone living with HIV in Lagos.
The findings highlight a gap in status awareness alongside high treatment uptake among those who knew. They do not, on their own, show improvement over time.
Lagos sets priorities for HIV services
The Lagos State Ministry of Health says the survey will help guide testing, treatment and funding decisions, according to New Telegraph’s account of a November 4 statement.
The ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Dayo Lajide, called for more testing, stronger links to treatment after diagnosis and support to keep people in care. She also identified services for pregnant women and children as priorities.
Leadership reports that Lagos State AIDS Control Agency Chief Executive Officer, Dr Folakemi Animashaun, said the findings would inform planning and budgets. She stressed the need to turn the evidence into action.
These are stated priorities. The reports do not establish that services have already expanded following the presentation.
Reported prevalence differs between women and men
Published accounts put HIV prevalence at 1.6 per cent among women and 0.8 per cent among men aged 15–64.
Without the survey’s full analysis and measures of uncertainty, those estimates do not establish why the figures differ or whether the difference is statistically significant.
IDNN has not independently reviewed the original survey summary and methodology. The findings in this report are attributed to published accounts of the presentation.
Turning findings into action
The next test is how Lagos uses the results to improve access to testing, connect people to treatment and support continued care.
Clear targets and progress reports will help show whether those efforts reach adults unaware of their status.