(PRESS RELEASE)
The Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA) has called for enhanced legal and rights protection mechanisms for people living with HIV and survivors of gender-based violence (GBV), warning that stigma, discrimination, violence and denial of services could undermine efforts to prevent and control HIV in the State.
The Chief Executive Officer of LSACA, Dr Folakemi Animashaun, made the call on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at the conclusion of a two-day Legal and Rights Protection Training organised by the Agency for GBV Focal Persons, Service Providers and Linkage Officers, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, at the Lagos State Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Lagos.
Dr Animashaun said the intersection of GBV, HIV-related stigma and discrimination required coordinated action among government institutions, law enforcement agencies, healthcare and service providers, community organisations and other stakeholders.
She noted that although the State has institutions with specific mandates to address domestic and sexual violence, LSACA also has an important role to play where GBV, stigma or discrimination intersects with HIV.
According to her, experiences of discrimination, abuse, denial of services and other rights violations could discourage people from seeking HIV testing, treatment, care and support, thereby affecting efforts to achieve better HIV outcomes.
The LSACA CEO stressed the need for enhanced linkages between health services and social protection mechanisms, urging stakeholders to familiarise themselves with available referral pathways and ensure that individuals requiring legal, psychosocial, health or other support are appropriately referred.
She also charged participants to enhance case documentation, referral and follow-up mechanisms to ensure that affected persons receive timely and appropriate assistance.
A facilitator at the training, Barrister Ochibili Chioma, emphasised the importance of confidentiality when handling information disclosed by people living with HIV and survivors of GBV.
She noted that clients often share sensitive personal information with service providers and should therefore be assured that such information would be handled responsibly and in line with their rights.
Barrister Chioma further urged institutions represented at the training to recognise their shared responsibility for protecting the rights and dignity of people living with or affected by HIV, while ensuring that survivors of GBV receive coordinated, appropriate and timely support.
The two-day training, which commenced on Wednesday, September 23, and ended on Thursday September 24, was aimed at enhancing the capacity of frontline stakeholders to identify rights-related concerns, understand referral mechanisms and improve access to appropriate legal, health and psychosocial support for vulnerable individuals.
Adekunbi Bakare (Mrs)
Director, Public Affairs
Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA)
September 24, 2026
