(PRESS RELEASE)
The Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA) has reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining and strengthening the State’s HIV response as it continues to engage development partners on strategies for long-term programme sustainability.
This was made known at the Agency’s office on Wednesday, 23rd September 2026, when the Country Director of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), Ms. Krittayawan (Tina) Boonto, and her team paid a courtesy visit to the Agency. The meeting provided an opportunity for both organisations to explore ways of consolidating gains recorded in the HIV response and strengthening Lagos State’s capacity for greater ownership of critical interventions.
Speaking during the meeting, the Chief Executive Officer of LSACA, Dr. Folakemi Animashaun, appreciated UNAIDS for its longstanding support to the HIV response in Lagos State and acknowledged the significant contribution of development partners to strengthening HIV prevention, testing, treatment, care and support services across the State.
She noted that, with the evolving development and donor funding landscape, there was a need for deliberate planning to ensure that the progress achieved over the years is protected and sustained.
The Chief Executive further highlighted the importance of strengthening domestic ownership, institutional capacity, data systems, commodity security and coordination among stakeholders, particularly in ensuring uninterrupted access to HIV services for vulnerable and underserved populations.
Responding, Ms. Boonto reaffirmed UNAIDS’ commitment to strengthening its partnership with LSACA, expressing the global institution’s readiness to provide technical support to LSACA as the Agency develops its long-term roadmap, particularly in the areas of strategic planning, data-driven decision-making and strengthening systems to support a sustainable and effective HIV response in Lagos State.
Discussions also focused on the sustainability of HIV programmes, including the transition of responsibilities and systems traditionally supported by development partners to stronger State-led structures.
The Agency emphasised the need to safeguard the availability of essential HIV commodities and maintain effective systems for forecasting, procurement, distribution and monitoring to prevent disruptions in service delivery.
Particular attention was also given to key and underserved populations, with LSACA stressing the importance of ensuring that no population is left behind in the State’s HIV response. The Agency noted that targeted interventions, community engagement and evidence-based programming remain essential to improving access to prevention, testing, treatment and retention services.
The meeting further underscored the importance of reliable and timely data in guiding policy, programme planning and resource allocation. Both parties recognised that strengthened data systems would enable the State to better identify gaps, measure programme outcomes and deploy resources where they are most needed.
The LSACA management also shared its ongoing efforts to develop a long-term roadmap that will guide the Agency’s strategic direction and sustainability agenda. The roadmap is expected to support a more coordinated approach to strengthening the State’s HIV response and ensuring continuity of essential services.
The meeting provided an opportunity for both organisations to review areas of existing collaboration and explore avenues for continued technical engagement, knowledge sharing and support as Lagos State works towards a more sustainable and resilient HIV response.
LSACA reaffirmed its readiness to continue working with UNAIDS and other development partners, government institutions, implementing organisations, communities and other stakeholders to advance the State’s HIV agenda.
The Agency stated that its ultimate objective remains to ensure that people living with HIV and those requiring HIV prevention services across Lagos State continue to have access to quality, people-centred and sustainable services.
Adekunbi Bakare
Director, Public Affairs
Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA)
