Violence against women and girls is hampering Nigeria's fight against HIV, according to stakeholders who met in Abuja this week.
They gathered for the Global Fund Grant Cycle 8 workshop on gender equality and violence programming. The United Nations Development Programme convened the meeting with support from the Global Fund and partners.
Participants said Nigeria has expanded HIV prevention and treatment. Yet many women and vulnerable groups still struggle to access care.
Stigma, discrimination, and violence create major barriers to health services. Fear also keeps people from seeking help or disclosing their status.
Oyedepo Iseoluwa Rotimi, the Director of Public Prosecutions, addressed attendees at the workshop. He represented the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.
Rotimi emphasized that health challenges cannot be separated from justice and human rights. Countries must protect vulnerable populations to improve health outcomes, he argued.
"Key populations continue to face obstacles in accessing healthcare because of stigma, fear and institutional barriers," according to him. National HIV prevalence has declined overall, but new infections remain high among at-risk groups.
Inmates in correctional facilities face particular dangers. Human trafficking survivors also struggle to access healthcare and support services.
These populations experience higher rates of HIV, tuberculosis, and other serious illnesses. Poor conditions in detention settings worsen health risks significantly.
Rotimi called for stronger ties between health and justice institutions. He also recommended improved referral systems for violence survivors.
Healthcare services must expand in prisons and detention centers. Investment in programs addressing root causes of vulnerability is essential, he noted.
UNDP sees the workshop as a chance to strengthen Nigeria's response. A coordinated approach to intimate partner violence must become part of the national health agenda.
Onyinye Belinda Ndubuisi, UNDP's Gender Lead, highlighted the real impact on women. Violence within relationships stops women from seeking healthcare and disclosing their HIV status.
Survivors of abuse struggle to access the support they need. Without addressing violence, Nigeria's HIV response will remain incomplete.
