Lagos records highest HIV diagnoses in Nigeria as experts stress importance of early screening
Residents of Lagos and frequent visitors to the state are being encouraged to prioritise regular HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening following new figures highlighting the city’s high number of reported HIV diagnoses.
According to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare’s State of the Health of the Nation Report 2025, Lagos recorded 10,430 HIV diagnoses through testing in 2025, the highest figure among Nigeria’s states.
As Nigeria’s commercial and economic centre, Lagos is home to millions of residents and attracts large numbers of visitors daily, factors that can influence disease surveillance and testing volumes. Health advocates also note that concerns about privacy, convenience and stigma continue to discourage many people from undergoing regular HIV and STI screening.
To address these barriers, home-based screening options are becoming increasingly popular among individuals seeking greater privacy.
One such option is Venchecker, a rapid 4-in-1 STI screening kit designed for home use. The kit enables users to screen for HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and Syphilis in a private setting, providing an initial indication of their health status.
Public health professionals emphasise that the latest HIV statistics should encourage greater awareness rather than fear. They say regular screening and early knowledge of one’s status remain essential for timely medical care, preventing transmission and improving long-term health outcomes.
