On Thursday, the [Lagos State AIDS Control Agency](https://lsa.gov.ng) (LSACA) held a sensitisation workshop for food‑handlers and representatives of food‑industry bodies at the STO Resource Centre Hall in Ikeja, urging both employers and employees to eradicate stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV and confirming that the virus cannot be spread through food preparation, handling or service.
The gathering aimed to dispel myths surrounding HIV transmission in the workplace and to promote inclusive, evidence‑based practices across the food sector. Participants were briefed on relevant legal provisions and best‑practice guidelines for handling HIV‑related matters at work.
**What did LSACA say about HIV transmission?**
Dr. Folakemi Animashaun, Chief Executive Officer of LSACA, explained that there is no scientific basis for excluding HIV‑positive individuals from food‑related jobs. She clarified that HIV is not transmitted by handling, preparing, serving food, sharing utensils, or through ordinary workplace and social contact. "A person’s HIV status does not make them a food‑safety risk," she asserted, urging decisions to be grounded in science rather than fear.
**How should employers handle health screening?**
Animashaun warned against using legitimate food‑safety or medical‑fitness requirements as a pretext for HIV screening or employment exclusion. She emphasized the importance of safeguarding workers’ confidential health information, insisting that any disclosure must be based on informed consent, respect and dignity.
**What role does the Lagos State Safety Commission play?**
The session’s facilitator, Mr. Tiamiyu Hussein of the [Lagos State Safety Commission](https://lssc.gov.ng), highlighted the need for safe, healthy workplaces that do not discriminate. He distinguished between valid medical‑fitness assessments for food handlers and unwarranted HIV testing, urging employers to apply occupational health and safety procedures appropriately while protecting health‑information confidentiality.
The workshop also covered HIV prevention, treatment and the fact that there is no risk of acquiring the virus from food prepared, handled or served by an HIV‑positive person. Attendees were encouraged to challenge misconceptions, adopt fair employment policies, and utilise proper referral and grievance mechanisms within the food sector.