Manny Ita –
The Lagos State Government, in collaboration with the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), has launched an expansive “Zero Stigma Campaign” aimed at criminalizing discrimination against people living with HIV and accelerating efforts toward ending the public health threat by 2030. The initiative was formally unveiled at a high-level stakeholders’ forum in Ikeja, where government officials, health experts, civil society groups, and development partners gathered to reaffirm their commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of affected persons.
Speaking at the launch, the Lagos State Commissioner for Health described stigma and discrimination as “one of the most dangerous barriers to ending HIV in our lifetime,” noting that fear of social exclusion continues to discourage testing, disclosure, and treatment adherence. “We cannot achieve epidemic control if our citizens are afraid to know their status or access care. Zero stigma is not a slogan; it is a policy direction,” he said, adding that the state would strengthen enforcement of existing anti-discrimination laws while pushing for stricter penalties where necessary.
Representatives of NACA emphasized that Nigeria remains committed to the global 95-95-95 targets, which seek to ensure that 95 percent of people living with HIV know their status, 95 percent of those diagnosed receive sustained antiretroviral therapy, and 95 percent of those on treatment achieve viral suppression. A senior NACA official stated, “Stigma fuels silence, and silence fuels transmission. If we remove stigma, we remove one of the strongest drivers of the epidemic.” He further explained that the campaign would combine legal reforms, public sensitization, workplace policy enforcement, and expanded access to community-based testing services.
Under the new campaign framework, the Lagos State Government plans to intensify public awareness drives across markets, schools, religious centers, and media platforms to counter misinformation about HIV transmission. Officials said specialized training would also be provided for healthcare workers, law enforcement agencies, and employers to ensure compliance with anti-discrimination provisions. “No one should lose a job, a home, or an opportunity because of their HIV status,” the Commissioner stressed.
Civil society organizations welcomed the move, describing it as timely and necessary. A representative of a leading HIV advocacy group said, “For too long, people living with HIV have suffered in silence. Criminalizing discrimination sends a powerful message that their rights are protected under the law.” The group urged the government to ensure that enforcement mechanisms are transparent and accessible to victims seeking redress.
Health data presented at the event indicated that Lagos, as Nigeria’s most populous state, plays a critical role in achieving national HIV reduction targets. Officials reiterated that while treatment coverage has improved significantly in recent years, social stigma remains a major impediment to early diagnosis and sustained care. “Ending AIDS by 2030 is achievable,” a NACA representative said. “But it requires courage, compassion, and collective responsibility.”
The Lagos State Government affirmed that periodic progress reports would be issued to track implementation milestones and outcomes under the Zero Stigma Campaign. Authorities expressed confidence that with sustained political will, community engagement, and stronger legal protections, the state could significantly reduce new infections and eliminate discriminatory practices within the decade.
