The Lagos State Government, through the Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA), has reaffirmed its commitment to equitable healthcare delivery by organizing a specialized HIV and AIDS sensitisation and stigma reduction programme for persons with hearing and visual impairments.
The strategic initiative, hosted at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), united members of the disability community, advocacy groups, and healthcare stakeholders. The event focused heavily on breaking down communication barriers, delivering accessible health information, and addressing the unique social and structural challenges faced by vulnerable populations in accessing HIV-related support.
Expanding Healthcare Access for All Abilities
Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of LSACA, Dr. Folakemi Animashaun, emphasized that the state’s healthcare blueprint leaves no room for exclusion. She stated that as Lagos intensifies its drive to eradicate HIV as a public health threat, dismantling barriers for persons with disabilities remains a top priority. 
“Your voices, experiences, and perspectives are invaluable in helping us build a more inclusive and responsive HIV response in Lagos State,” Dr. Animashaun stated, urging participants to become health ambassadors within their respective communities.
The comprehensive workshop empowered attendees with vital knowledge regarding HIV testing, prevention, and treatment pathways. Participants engaged in interactive sessions covering the current HIV data in Lagos, human rights advocacy, and mitigation strategies for gender-based violence. To ensure practical understanding, the agency also facilitated step-by-step demonstrations on HIV self-testing kits and proper condom usage.
Community Leaders Applaud the Government’s Inclusive Response
The initiative received strong praise from the beneficiaries, who noted that public health campaigns often overlook the specific needs of the disabled community. Advocates at the event called for a permanent integration of disability-friendly formats in all future state health policies.
“HIV does not discriminate between persons with disabilities and those without disabilities. This programme is very good, and we appeal to the government to always include persons with disabilities in every programme, just as they have done today,” remarked Mr. Kingsley Njoku, a participant who commended LSACA’s forward-thinking approach.
This sensitisation campaign marks a key milestone in LSACA’s broader mission to eliminate institutional discrimination, eradicate health stigmas, and guarantee that every resident of Lagos State possesses the resources necessary to sustain a healthy, productive life.
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