Lagos Reports Over 135,000 HIV Cases as State Confronts Doctor Shortage, Rising Chronic Illnesses

The Lagos State Government has revealed that more than 135,000 residents are currently living with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, disclosed this on Wednesday during a media briefing commemorating the second anniversary of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term.

Abayomi emphasized that the state has ramped up awareness and intervention by partnering with over 100 religious leaders, who now serve as HIV and AIDS ambassadors. This strategy, he explained, aims to reduce stigma and bring testing and education closer to the people.

“We’re using trusted voices within communities to educate residents and encourage testing and treatment,” he said.

The state has also made progress in cancer detection and treatment. According to Abayomi, health workers screened 154,228 women for cervical cancer. Among them, 8,613 received thermal ablation treatment.

In a bid to encourage early detection in men, the state also carried out prostate cancer screenings for 300 men. While these numbers show ongoing efforts, the low male screening turnout highlights the need for broader outreach.

Lagos is also facing a significant burden of non-communicable diseases. Health workers screened 312,927 residents for hypertension and diabetes. The results revealed troubling trends.

Out of a population of roughly 30 million, about 20% may be living with hypertension. Even more concerning, 70% of those affected remain unaware of their condition. Obesity now affects 12% of residents, while 6% live with diabetes. Half of the people with diabetes do not know they have it.

“These figures show how urgently we need widespread education, regular checkups, and lifestyle changes,” Abayomi stressed.

Healthcare System Under Pressure: Lagos Needs 66,000 Health Workers

Despite these efforts, Lagos continues to struggle with a critical shortage of health professionals. The state currently has just 7,000 doctors. To meet the growing healthcare demand, it requires an additional 33,000 doctors and 33,000 nurses.

To address the shortfall, the Lagos State University of Medicine and Health Sciences plans to graduate 2,500 healthcare professionals every year over the next five years. The graduates will include doctors, nurses, and laboratory scientists. While this initiative marks a step in the right direction, the gap remains wide.

Another pressing concern is the poor uptake of the state’s health insurance scheme. So far, only 4.17% of the population, approximately 1.25 million residents, have registered.

However, Abayomi expressed confidence that the newly enacted mandatory health insurance law will turn the tide.

“Making health insurance compulsory will help increase enrollment and expand our funding base for health services,” he said.

In response to growing health needs, the government has invested in several major infrastructure projects. Abayomi confirmed that construction on the New Massey Street Children’s Hospital, the Ojo General Hospital, and the Mental Health Institute in Epe is nearing completion.

The government expects to commission these facilities by April 2026, expanding access to care for thousands of residents.

While Lagos has made progress in screening and prevention, the numbers show that much work remains. From HIV and cancer to hypertension and diabetes, the state’s health challenges are vast. Shortages in manpower and low insurance coverage further complicate the outlook.

Still, with faith-based partnerships, infrastructure investments, and new policies in place, the government hopes to close the gaps and bring quality healthcare closer to millions of Lagosians.