…LSACA validates roadmap to strengthen domestic financing, government ownership and uninterrupted access to HIV services
The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to building a resilient and financially sustainable HIV response capable of maintaining essential prevention, testing, treatment and care services beyond reliance on external donor funding.
This commitment was underscored at the Stakeholders’ Validation Meeting on the Lagos State HIV Response Transition and Sustainability Roadmap organised by the Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA) at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Lagos.
Speaking at the meeting, the Chief Executive Officer of LSACA, Dr Folakemi Animashaun, described the development and validation of the roadmap as a strategic step towards securing the long-term future of the State’s HIV response through stronger government ownership, sustainable domestic financing and institutional accountability.
Dr Animashaun observed that the changing global health financing landscape and declining donor resources have made it increasingly important for subnational governments to strengthen domestic resource mobilisation, diversify funding sources and establish sustainable mechanisms for financing essential health interventions.
She emphasised that Lagos State must progressively build the capacity to finance, coordinate and manage its HIV response while sustaining the significant achievements recorded through years of investments and collaboration with development partners.
According to her, achieving this objective requires a whole-of-government and multisectoral approach that brings together relevant ministries, departments and agencies, development partners, the private sector, civil society organisations and affected communities.
She particularly highlighted the importance of private-sector participation, stronger institutional accountability and increased community engagement in mobilising resources and ensuring the continuity of HIV services.
The LSACA Chief Executive Officer explained that the roadmap was developed through an evidence-based, participatory and multisectoral process, drawing on assessments, stakeholder consultations and contributions from health facilities, development partners, field researchers, civil society organisations and networks of people living with HIV.
She further stressed that people living with HIV and affected communities must remain at the centre of the sustainability agenda, not merely as beneficiaries but as active partners in shaping policies, implementing interventions and monitoring progress.
Dr Animashaun expressed confidence that the validation exercise would strengthen stakeholder ownership of the roadmap, provide an opportunity to review its strategic priorities and secure the collective commitment required for its effective implementation.
In her technical review of the roadmap, the Lead Consultant, Mrs Ufon Udofia, highlighted the proposed governance, institutional responsibility and accountability arrangements designed to ensure that the transition from donor-dependent financing to a more government-led HIV response is properly coordinated and sustained.
She explained that the roadmap proposes the establishment of an HIV Transition and Sustainability Steering Committee (HTSSC), supported by a permanent Coordination and Implementation Secretariat domiciled within LSACA. The proposed structure is designed to provide a link between executive decision-making, multisectoral technical guidance and routine implementation, while ensuring effective oversight, coordination and accountability throughout the transition process.
Mrs Udofia further explained that the framework clearly outlines the responsibilities of relevant ministries, departments and agencies, development partners, implementing organisations, civil society organisations and community networks. She noted that clearly defined institutional mandates, implementation arrangements and reporting structures would be essential to ensuring that all stakeholders remain accountable for their respective commitments.
She stressed that the success of the roadmap would depend not only on its validation but also on the translation of its recommendations into concrete institutional commitments, budgetary provisions, coordinated implementation and regular performance monitoring.
The consultant called on all stakeholders to take collective responsibility for the implementation of the roadmap, noting that sustained investment, strong governance and clearly defined institutional responsibilities would be critical to protecting existing gains and guaranteeing uninterrupted access to quality HIV prevention, testing, treatment and care services.
Public Affairs Unit
Lagos State AIDS Control Agency
11th November, 2026
