​FG, Lagos State declare war against HIV discrimination, launch new campaign

2026-02-12 - 00:28

By Chioma Obinna In a move to tackle one of the biggest barriers to HIV prevention and treatment, the Lagos State Government, in collaboration with the National Agency for the Control of AIDS, NACA, and civil society partners, officially launched the Zero Stigma Campaign in Lagos. The campaign aims to eliminate discrimination against people living with HIV (PLWHIV) across communities, schools, workplaces, and public spaces in the state. Speaking during the flag off, the Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State AIDS Control Agency, LSACA, Dr. Folakemi Animashaun said: “This flag-off is long overdue. Lately, people have been stigmatising and discriminating against those living with HIV. There is zero tolerance for stigma and discrimination in Lagos State, and penalties are attached to these actions.” Animashaun highlighted the state’s pioneering Gender-Based Violence and HIV Stigmatisation Intersectional Guideline, the only one of its kind in Nigeria. “Since launching this initiative three years ago, our mediation team has resolved over 20 cases, with financial penalties imposed where necessary. We are now reviewing the 2007 anti-stigma law to strengthen protections and increase penalties, potentially between N50,000 and N100,000,” she said. Animashaun further emphasised the campaign’s community-led approach, combining advocacy, education, and accessible HIV testing services. “Stigma tries to thrive in silence, but it diminishes when leaders and communities speak up and act responsibly. We call on all stakeholders, institutions, teachers, market leaders, and families to demonstrate zero tolerance in their daily actions,” she said. The Zero Stigma Campaign will continue in other local government areas, including Alimosho, Surulere, and Eti-Osa, ensuring that accurate information reaches markets, schools, workplaces, and religious centers. Lagos State officials say the effort is crucial to achieving the national goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. “With emerging health developments, people living with HIV can now lead normal lives. Ending stigma is no longer optional; it is a responsibility we all share,” Animashaun added. Representing the Director-General of NACA, Mr. Abdulrahman Mohammed reinforced the national commitment to ending HIV stigma. “This is a national issue. Stigma and discrimination remain major obstacles to HIV testing, treatment, and prevention. Collective action at all levels from federal to community is critical to eliminating discrimination against people living with HIV,” he said. Representing the Network of People Living with HIV, NEPWHAN, and the Association of Women Living with HIV in Lagos, Mrs Monica Obie warned that stigma not only prevents people from accessing care but also threatens the health of future generations. “If we do not stop stigma, children will continue to be born HIV positive. Stigma can kill, mentally harm, and make people unproductive. Today, we say no to stigma, no to discrimination,” she said. The campaign began with a road walk and awareness rally from the Ikeja Secretariat to Ipodo Market, followed by a school sensitization session at Oregun Senior High School, reaching approximately 250 students with education on HIV prevention, human rights, and the importance of inclusion. Photo caption: The Executive Chairman of Ikeja LGA, Comrade Akeem Olalekan Daudu, officially flagging-off the Zero Stigma Campaign, with a symbolic ribbon-cutting organised by the Lagos State Government in collaboration with the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), and civil society partners, in Lagos, recently.