Health
LSACA equips peer educators to strengthen HIV prevention, harm reduction
Janet Ogundepo
The Lagos State AIDS Control Agency has strengthened the capacity of peer educators on harm reduction as part of efforts to improve HIV prevention, community engagement and access to health and psychosocial services across the state.
The Capacity Strengthening Training for Peer Educators on Harm Reduction September 21, 2026, at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ikeja, Lagos.
Speaking at the training, the Chief Executive Officer of LSACA, Dr Folakemi Animashaun, said peer educators played a critical role in the state’s HIV response because of their close connection with communities and their position as trusted sources of information, support and referrals.
Animashaun said peer educators helped community members access accurate HIV information, make informed and safer choices, seek HIV testing, use prevention services and remain connected to treatment and care.
“Every interaction with a Peer Educator can affect whether a person feels safe enough to seek help. This is why the way you speak to people, the information you give and the support you provide are very important,” she said.
The LSACA CEO explained that harm reduction focused on helping people reduce health risks through practical, respectful and non-judgmental approaches while ensuring access to the services and support they required.
She said the training was designed to strengthen participants’ knowledge and practical skills in effective communication, provision of accurate information, confidentiality, identification of people requiring additional support and appropriate referrals to health, psychosocial and other relevant services.
Animashaun also urged peer educators to maintain professionalism by protecting the privacy of the people they served, providing accurate information, making appropriate referrals and treating everyone with dignity and respect.
“Many people will judge the quality of the HIV response by the way they are treated when they first ask for help. You must therefore be professional at all times. Protect people’s privacy. Give correct information. Make proper referrals. Treat everyone with dignity and respect,” she said.
She reaffirmed LSACA’s commitment to strengthening the connection between community-based services and the formal health system, noting that strong community support could help people access services earlier, remain connected to care and receive the support they needed.
Animashaun encouraged participants to apply the knowledge and skills gained from the training in their respective communities and organisations.
She said the success of the programme would be reflected in improved communication, stronger referral systems, increased access to services and better support for beneficiaries.
The training facilitator, Mr Isaac Moses, took participants through key principles and practical approaches to harm reduction and community-based service delivery.
Moses said the training was designed to equip peer educators with the knowledge and skills required to effectively engage beneficiaries, provide accurate information, make timely referrals and link individuals to relevant health and psychosocial services.
He emphasised the importance of respectful, confidential, non-judgmental and client-centred approaches when working with communities, particularly vulnerable and underserved populations.
Animashaun acknowledged the leadership of the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, and the state government’s commitment to improving health and social services for residents.
She also appreciated implementing and technical partners, community organisations and networks, service providers, facilitators and other stakeholders for their support towards strengthening HIV prevention and community-based services across Lagos State.
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