Over 135,000 Living with HIV in Lagos – Health Commissioner

Lagos Health Commissioner, Prof. Akin Abayomi, has revealed that 135,224 residents are currently living with HIV, highlighting the scale of the state’s public health burden.

Speaking at a briefing marking Governor Sanwo-Olu’s second term anniversary, Abayomi said the government is partnering with over 100 religious leaders to fight stigma and boost HIV testing and treatment.

He also reported that Lagos has screened over 154,000 women for cervical cancer, treated 8,600, and screened nearly 313,000 people for hypertension and diabetes. The state’s obesity rate stands at 12%, while 6% of residents are living with diabetes—half unaware of their condition.

With a shortfall of 33,000 doctors and nurses, Abayomi said the Lagos State University of Medicine and Health aims to produce 2,500 health workers annually over the next five years.

Only 4.17% of residents are currently enrolled in the state health insurance scheme, but the commissioner expressed confidence that the new mandatory insurance law will drive up participation.

He added that major health projects, including the New Massey Street Children’s Hospital and the Epe Mental Health Institute, are near completion and set for commissioning by April 2026.