UNDP, partners seek stronger GBV action to strengthen Nigeria’s HIV response
Efforts to curb HIV infections and improve access to healthcare in Nigeria may remain limited unless gender-based violence (GBV) and intimate partner violence (IPV) are tackled as major public health concerns, stakeholders have said. The concern dominated discussions at the Global Fund Grant Cycle 8 (GC8) National Consultative Workshop on Gender Equality, Gender-Based Violence and […]
Efforts to curb HIV infections and improve access to healthcare in Nigeria may remain limited unless gender-based violence (GBV) and intimate partner violence (IPV) are tackled as major public health concerns, stakeholders have said.
The concern dominated discussions at the Global Fund Grant Cycle 8 (GC8) National Consultative Workshop on Gender Equality, Gender-Based Violence and Intimate Partner Violence Programming in Nigeria, convened by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) under the Joint United Nations Team on HIV/AIDS, with support from the Global Fund and other partners in Abuja.
Participants noted that while Nigeria has made progress in expanding HIV prevention and treatment services, many women, girls and vulnerable populations continue to face barriers created by violence, stigma and discrimination.
Speaking at the meeting, Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Oyedepo Iseoluwa Rotimi (SAN), said the country’s health challenges cannot be separated from issues of justice, human rights and protection.
Representing the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, he observed that key populations continue to face obstacles in accessing healthcare because of stigma, fear and institutional barriers.
According to him, despite a decline in national HIV prevalence, new infections remain disproportionately high among vulnerable groups, underscoring the need for more inclusive and rights-based interventions.
Rotimi also drew attention to the situation of inmates in correctional facilities and survivors of human trafficking, noting that poor access to healthcare and support services often increases their vulnerability to HIV, tuberculosis and other health risks.
He advocated stronger collaboration between health and justice institutions, improved referral systems for survivors of violence, expanded healthcare services in custodial settings and greater investment in programmes that address the root causes of vulnerability.
For UNDP, the workshop offered an opportunity to push for a more coordinated response to intimate partner violence and gender-based violence within Nigeria’s development and health agenda.
UNDP Gender Lead, Onyinye Belinda Ndubuisi, said violence within intimate relationships continues to affect women’s ability to seek healthcare, disclose their HIV status and access support when needed.