Lagos Calls for Accountability and Community Impact in HIV Response Programs

…Organizes Two-Day Capacity Building for Organizations on HIV Programming

The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to accountability, measurable impact, and sustainability in community-driven HIV response initiatives.

Speaking at a two-day capacity building workshop for organizations on HIV Programming held at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), the Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA), Dr. Folakemi Animashaun, stressed the importance of grassroots participation, transparency, and continuous evaluation in ensuring that interventions deliver real benefits to communities.

The workshop focused on strengthening organizations’ capacity in data collection, management, and reporting using standardized national tools. It also aimed to enhance data quality assurance to ensure accuracy, reliability, and integrity, while promoting the routine use of data for evidence-based decision-making at all levels.

“Our responsibility is not just to design and implement projects but to constantly ask ourselves: have we really impacted the people and communities we claim to serve? It is important to go back to those we have trained and supported, to measure the outcomes and ensure that our interventions translate into real, lasting change,” Dr. Animashaun said.

She further underscored the role of Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) as a critical tool in driving efficiency, transparency, and sustainability in the fight against HIV and AIDS in Lagos State.

Commending the collaborative efforts of government agencies, civil society, development partners, and local communities, Dr. Animashaun stressed the need for data-driven interventions and continuous adaptation to consolidate progress made so far.

“This training is not just about numbers or reports. It is about telling the story behind the numbers—the story of lives saved, stigma reduced, and communities empowered. It is about ensuring that every resource invested delivers maximum benefit for the people of Lagos State,” she added.

She urged participants to fully engage, share experiences, and commit to long-term collaboration, noting that sustainability depends on stronger institutions and deeper program outcomes.

One of the facilitators, Miss Bunmi Solomon, also charged participants to embrace self-assessment and capacity building, highlighting that accountability frameworks, collaboration, and community ownership are central to effective HIV response.

The two-day capacity building program reflects LSACA’s unwavering commitment to strengthening institutional capacity for HIV programming and ensuring that interventions remain efficient, accountable, and impactful in advancing Lagos State toward an HIV-free generation.