The Lagos State Government has called on residents to make HIV testing a routine part of their healthcare routine, rather than waiting until symptoms appear. The call comes as the Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA) expands free testing and counselling services for public servants and visitors to the 2026 International Trade Fair.
During a health screening exercise for Public Service Week, Head of Service Mr Bode Agoro officially launched the free screening programme. “Access to preventive healthcare, including HIV screening, is essential to building a healthy, productive and efficient workforce,” Agoro said, urging workers to take advantage of confidential testing, professional counselling and information on HIV prevention, transmission and treatment.
LSACA has also set up a free HIV testing and counselling station at the Lagos Pavilion on Tafawa Balewa Square, where the trade fair is being held. The exercise began on Friday, 6 November, and will run for ten days until Sunday, 15 November, offering visitors, exhibitors, traders and other participants confidential screening and guidance on accessing treatment if required.
“Knowing one’s HIV status is an important step toward preventing new infections and improving health outcomes,” said Dr Folakemi Animashaun, CEO of LSACA. “Early diagnosis enables individuals who test positive to commence treatment promptly and maintain healthy, productive lives.”
Dr Animashaun also emphasised the agency’s commitment to keeping HIV prevention, testing and treatment services accessible, confidential and free from discrimination. She urged public servants, trade‑fair participants and residents to embrace testing as part of routine healthcare and to visit the LSACA screening centre at the Lagos Pavilion or any designated health facility across the state.
She added that expanding access to HIV services requires collaboration with ministries, departments, agencies, development partners, civil society organisations and other stakeholders.
<small>Source: Vanguard News — read the original story there.</small>
