The Lagos State Government has expanded access to free HIV testing and counselling services for public servants and visitors to the ongoing 2026 International Trade Fair in the state.
The initiative, implemented by the Lagos State AIDS Control Agency, is aimed at promoting early diagnosis, increasing awareness and improving access to HIV prevention, treatment and care services.
The state government disclosed this in a statement posted on its official X handle on Wednesday.
According to data from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare’s State of the Health of the Nation Report 2025, a total of 102,025 new HIV infections were recorded across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory in 2025, with Lagos accounting for the highest number of new cases at 10,430.
Lagos State government said the latest intervention was carried out during the Public Service Week health screening exercise, where the Head of Service, Bode Agoro, formally opened the free screening programme.
Agoro noted that “access to preventive healthcare, including HIV screening, was essential to building a healthy, productive and efficient workforce.”
He urged “public servants across the State to take advantage of the opportunity to access confidential testing, professional counselling and accurate information on HIV prevention, transmission and treatment.”
He also encouraged workers to make regular health checks a personal responsibility, stressing that maintaining good health was vital to effective public service delivery.
In a related intervention, the agency commenced free HIV testing and counselling services at the Lagos Pavilion, Tafawa Balewa Square, as part of its activities at the 2026 International Trade Fair.
The exercise, which began on Friday, November 6, is scheduled to run for 10 days, ending on Sunday, November 15, 2026.
The initiative provides visitors, exhibitors, traders and other participants with access to free and confidential HIV screening at the trade fair venue.
The agency’s team also offers counselling, preventive health information and guidance on accessing appropriate treatment and care services for individuals who require further support.
Speaking on the interventions, the Chief Executive Officer of LSACA, Dr Folakemi Animashaun, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to making HIV prevention, testing and treatment services accessible, confidential and free from discrimination.
Members of the public were encouraged to visit the LSACA screening point at the Lagos Pavilion, Tafawa Balewa Square, during the ongoing trade fair.
Residents can also access free HIV testing, counselling and other essential services at designated health facilities across the state.
The agency reiterated its commitment to ensuring that everyone in Lagos could access HIV services, know their status and receive the support needed to live healthy and productive lives.
