The Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA) and the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) have renewed their commitment to strengthening collaboration on a sustainable HIV response in Lagos State.
The partnership was reaffirmed during a courtesy visit by the UNAIDS Country Director, Ms. Krittayawan (Tina) Boonto, and her team to the LSACA office on Wednesday, September 23, 2026.
Speaking during the meeting, the Chief Executive Officer of LSACA, Dr. Folakemi Animashaun, appreciated UNAIDS and other development partners for their support to HIV prevention, testing, treatment, care and support programmes across the state.
Animashaun stressed the need for deliberate planning to protect gains recorded in the HIV response amid changes in the development and donor funding landscape. She highlighted domestic ownership, institutional capacity, reliable data systems, HIV commodity security and stronger coordination among stakeholders as key priorities.
She also emphasised the need to maintain uninterrupted access to essential HIV services, particularly for vulnerable and underserved populations, while strengthening state-led structures as responsibilities traditionally supported by development partners are gradually transitioned.
Responding, Boonto reaffirmed UNAIDS' commitment to supporting LSACA with technical assistance as the agency develops its long-term sustainability roadmap.
She identified strategic planning, data-driven decision-making and systems strengthening as areas where UNAIDS would continue to provide support to Lagos State.
The discussions also focused on ensuring the availability of essential HIV commodities through effective forecasting, procurement, distribution and monitoring systems, as well as improving interventions for key and underserved populations.
Both organisations further highlighted the importance of reliable and timely data in identifying service gaps, measuring programme outcomes and guiding policy and resource allocation.
LSACA said its long-term roadmap would provide a coordinated framework for strengthening the state's HIV response and ensuring continuity of essential services.