In order to increase the uptake of HIV Testing Services [HTS] and achieve the UNAIDS 90-90-90 initiative , the Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA) has commenced  sensitisation of 500 religious leaders across the five divisions of Lagos State on HIV/AIDS .

According to the Chief Executive Officer of LSACA, Dr. Oluseyi Temowo,  the sensitisation programme is very important in the drive to meeting the first part of the initiative which essentially means that 90% of the populace must know their HIV status.

He added that moral decadence in the society is increasing on daily basis among the youths and other members of the society through unprotected sex as well as the abuse of drugs, hence the need to engage the religious leaders to help in escalating the awareness of HIV/AIDS among their congregation.

Dr. Temowo stated that religious leaders were critical stakeholders to ensure the eradication of the scourge by 2030 in Lagos State, stressing that 48% success has already been achieved this year in respect of the first part of the initiative this year while the Agency is planning to double its efforts in the coming year.

He maintained that the sensitisation programme was designed with the primary objective of educating the clerics on all they need to about HIV/AIDS so that they can, in turn, spread the information among their numerous worshippers.

Earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Religious Matters, Rev. (Dr) Verrals Kolawole said that no stone would be left unturned in creating a State-wide HIV/AIDS campaign, noting that the involvement of the religious leaders would help in ensuring the success of the 90-90-90 initiative.