Lagos Expands Free HIV Screening To Public Servants, Trade Fair Visitors

The Lagos State Government has expanded access to free and confidential HIV testing and counselling services for public servants and visitors to the ongoing 2026 International Trade Fair as part of efforts to promote early diagnosis and strengthen HIV prevention. The Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA) disclosed this in……

The Lagos State Government has expanded access to free and confidential HIV testing and counselling services for public servants and visitors to the ongoing 2026 International Trade Fair as part of efforts to promote early diagnosis and strengthen HIV prevention.

The Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA) disclosed this in a statement, saying the interventions were designed to encourage residents to know their HIV status and improve access to treatment and other essential services.

At the Public Service Week health screening exercise, the Lagos State Head of Service, Mr Bode Agoro, officially opened the free screening programme, emphasising the importance of prioritising the health and well-being of public servants.

Agoro said access to preventive healthcare, including HIV screening, was essential to building a healthy, productive and efficient workforce.

He urged public servants across the state to take advantage of the opportunity to access confidential testing, professional counselling and accurate information on HIV prevention, transmission and treatment.

The Head of Service also encouraged workers to make regular health checks a personal responsibility, stressing that good health was vital to effective public service delivery.

In a related intervention, LSACA commenced free HIV testing and counselling services at the Lagos Pavilion, Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), as part of its activities at the 2026 International Trade Fair.

The exercise, which began on Friday, November 6, is scheduled to run for 10 days and end on Sunday, November 15, 2026.

According to the agency, the initiative provides visitors, exhibitors, traders and other participants with convenient access to free and confidential HIV screening within the Trade Fair environment.

Its team also offers counselling, preventive health information and guidance on accessing appropriate treatment and care services for individuals who require further support.

Speaking on the interventions, LSACA Chief Executive Officer, Dr Folakemi Animashaun, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to making HIV prevention, testing and treatment services accessible, confidential and free from discrimination.

Animashaun said knowing one’s HIV status remained critical to preventing new infections and improving health outcomes, explaining that early diagnosis allows individuals who test positive to commence treatment promptly, maintain good health and live productive lives.

She urged public servants, Trade Fair visitors and residents across the state to take advantage of the free screening opportunities, stressing that HIV testing should be embraced as a routine healthcare practice rather than reserved for situations where an individual suspects an infection.

The LSACA chief executive also reiterated the agency’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with ministries, departments and agencies, development partners, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to expand HIV prevention, testing, treatment and care services across Lagos.

Members of the public have been encouraged to visit the LSACA screening point at the Lagos Pavilion, Tafawa Balewa Square, during the Trade Fair or access free HIV testing, counselling and other essential services at designated health facilities across the state.

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