The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has partnered with Global Funds to launch a comprehensive three-month sensitization programme, with a dedicated focus on tackling the prevailing gender and human rights challenges that significantly affect individuals living with or affected by HIV.
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This innovative programme slated for October-December, 2023 underscores the unwavering commitment to championing and safeguarding the rights and well-being of all people living with HIV, while striving to create a more inclusive and equitable society.
The journey towards curbing the spread of HIV and enhancing the quality of life for those affected is plagued by a multitude of obstacles, including gender-based discrimination and human rights infringements.
These barriers worsens the impact of HIV on affected individuals, perpetuating stigmatization, discrimination, and hindering access to vital healthcare services.
According to the Director-General of NACA, Dr. Gambo Aliyu,“ the People living with, vulnerable to or affected by HIV are entitled to enjoyment of all human rights and exercising equal participation in civil, political, social, economic and cultural life, without prejudice, stigma or discrimination of any kind. Unfortunately, these people are either unaware of their rights and responsibilities or lack the capability to seek redress when necessary, thus, the need for the sensitization and popularization of the availability and pertinence of the provisions of access to justice as it pertains to human rights, gender based violence and the national HIV & AIDS response,” he said.
The three-month sensitization programme aims to address these challenges and strives to achieve the following objectives:
1. Reinforce public awareness of the fundamental principles and significance of the National HIV and AIDS Anti-discrimination Act of 2014.
2. Heighten public consciousness regarding the intersection of gender and human rights issues with HIV/AIDS and their profound implications for individuals and communities.
3. Enhance the general population’s knowledge of a step-by-step guide for taking action in cases where the rights of individuals living with and affected by HIV and AIDS are violated, including information about grievance reporting and available redress mechanisms in the country.
4. Promote multi-sectoral strategies and collaborations by defining the varied roles and levels of responsibilities of different stakeholders.
5. Cultivate a culture of inclusivity, respect, and support for individuals living with HIV/AIDS, regardless of their gender or background.
The programme will also encompass an array of activities, including workshops, webinars, community outreach initiatives, and awareness campaigns. These initiatives will engage a diverse range of stakeholders, includingencompassing healthcare providers, civil society organizations, affected individuals, and the broader public.
The Global Fund is an international financing organization that mobilizes resources to fight AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria, with a focus on partnership, innovation, and impact, the Global Fund supports programs and initiatives worldwide to save lives and improve health outcomes.
