The Lagos State government has called on religious leaders across the state to take a leading role in HIV prevention efforts and the fight against stigma associated with the disease.
The appeal was made through the Lagos State AIDS Control Agency, LSACA, during a sensitisation workshop on HIV and AIDS prevention and HIV-related stigma held for religious leaders at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, LCCI, in Alausa, Ikeja.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of LSACA, Dr. Folakemi Animashaun, stressed the important role faith leaders play in influencing public opinion, promoting healthy lifestyles and encouraging compassion towards people living with HIV.
Animashaun noted that although significant progress has been made in HIV treatment and care, stigma and discrimination remain major obstacles to ending the epidemic. According to her, fear of rejection and widespread misinformation continue to discourage many people from seeking testing, treatment and support services.
“HIV is no longer a death sentence. People living with HIV can live long, healthy, and productive lives with treatment. However, stigma continues to prevent many people from testing, seeking care, and speaking openly about their status,” she said.
She commended Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, for his continued support for public health programmes, stating that the workshop reflects the administration’s commitment to improving the health and well-being of residents.
The LSACA boss explained that religious institutions remain trusted centres within communities and are well positioned to provide accurate information about HIV, encourage voluntary testing, support treatment adherence and correct misconceptions surrounding the disease.
“Health education does not weaken faith; it protects lives, families, and communities. Together, we can build a Lagos where people are not afraid to know their status, where no one is rejected because of their health condition, and where compassion guides our response to HIV,” Dr. Animashaun added.
Also speaking, the representative of the National Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Dr. Ahmad Saheed, warned religious leaders against offering unverified remedies or medical advice that could put the health of people living with HIV and others at risk.
He emphasised the need for professional medical care and urged faith leaders to continually update their knowledge of public health issues in order to better support members of their congregations.
“A well-informed religious leader understands the need for professional medical care and is better positioned to support affected individuals with compassion and accurate guidance,” he stated.
In his remarks, the Presiding Chaplain of Chapel of Christ the Light, Alausa, Rev. (Dr.) Ajayi, described the workshop as timely and impactful.
He highlighted the important role religious leaders play in raising awareness about HIV, reducing stigma and supporting those living with the condition.
“This training for religious leaders is a very wonderful one and very much needed at a time like this. Programmes like this educate us and help us to push advocacy further, especially for those of us who have the privilege and opportunity to address people regularly,” he said.
Lagos Govt enlists religious leaders in HIV prevention, anti-stigma campaign
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