Lagos Health Commissioner Highlights HIV Prevalence and Healthcare Workforce Deficit

Lagos State’s Health Commissioner, Prof. Akin Abayomi, has disclosed that 135,224 residents are living with HIV, underscoring the need for continued public health efforts. Speaking at a media event marking Governor Sanwo-Olu’s second term anniversary, he said the government has enlisted over 100 faith leaders as HIV and AIDS ambassadors to reduce stigma.

“We are using trusted voices to drive education, testing, and treatment in our communities,” Abayomi stated.

The state has provided free cervical cancer screening to over 154,000 women and treated thousands with thermal ablation. It has also screened hundreds for prostate cancer and hundreds of thousands for hypertension and diabetes. Lagos faces a critical shortage of healthcare personnel, with only 7,000 doctors available but needing 33,000 more.

The Lagos State University of Medicine and Health will train 2,500 healthcare workers annually for five years. Health insurance enrolment is currently low but expected to rise due to a new mandatory law. New hospitals and health institutes are scheduled for commissioning by April 2026.