Lagos Partners ECEWS To Expand HIV Testing In Rural, Riverine Communities
Ilyas Opeyemi
The Lagos State Government is partnering with the Excellence, Community Welfare Scheme (ECEWS) to expand HIV testing and other essential HIV services to rural, riverine and other hard to reach communities across the state.
The partnership was discussed on Thursday, September 3, 2026, when the Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA), Dr Folakemi Animashaun, received the ECEWS team on a courtesy visit at the agency’s conference room.
The engagement focused on identifying underserved communities where residents face difficulties accessing HIV prevention, testing and treatment services and developing practical strategies to bridge the gaps.
Speaking on the purpose of the visit, ECEWS Team Lead, Dr Idayat Uthman, said the organisation was seeking stronger collaboration with LSACA to improve the reach and uptake of HIV testing across Lagos.
Uthman said particular attention would be given to communities that are difficult to reach, stressing the need to ensure that residents in such areas are not excluded from accessing essential HIV services.
She also called for LSACA’s support with HIV test kits to facilitate increased community based testing activities.
Responding, Animashaun reaffirmed LSACA’s commitment to working with relevant stakeholders to strengthen HIV prevention, management and control across Lagos.
She stressed the importance of taking HIV services closer to communities, particularly populations that may face geographical or other barriers to accessing healthcare.
According to her, ensuring that no community is left behind remains a key priority of the state’s HIV response.
Animashaun said the agency would continue to collaborate with partners to expand access to HIV testing and treatment while improving community level interventions aimed at achieving Lagos State’s HIV targets.
The partnership is expected to strengthen community based HIV testing and help identify more people who require prevention, treatment and other support services across underserved areas of the state.
