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To mark the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) with the theme, “Unite! Invest to Prevent Violence against Women and Girls”, the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) has sensitized students and communities on the need to prevent and report gender-based violence.

In Abuja, IHVN visited Government Day Secondary School (GDSS) Karu to increase awareness about creating a safe environment for students.

IHVN Senior Program Officer Prevention Care and Treatment, Mrs. Derby Collins-Kalu said, “Students are sometimes not only the victims but also the perpetrators. Safety is the responsibility of all and is a human right. Every student must endeavor to stay safe, avoid going to places where their safety is not guaranteed, and keep away from bad influence. Students should also report any unfair treatment, any suspected act of stalking, grooming, sexual harassment, or sexual and emotional violence.”

GDSS Karu Social Prefect, Okoro Rejoice, who participated in the sensitization activity said that she will advocate for the prevention of GBV. “I’ve learned the different types of violence, how to identify red flags and to report any case of gender-based violence (GBV).” I can tell other students who were not here what I’ve learned to prevent gender-based violence (GBV).”

In Katsina State and Rivers State, students of Government Girls Day Secondary School Daura and Community Secondary School Rukpuokwu, Portharcourt also received sensitization about preventing GBV.

To mark the World AIDS Day 2023, the Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria (IHVN) has urged communities to join efforts to end AIDS by 2023.

At a sensitization campaign in Government Secondary School Garki, in the FCT, IHVN FCT Regional Manager, Dr. Danjuma Sanda said that, “Collaboration is key as we strive to reach hard-to-reach communities. Testing is crucial; it’s an opportunity for everyone to know their HIV status. Remember, HIV is not a death sentence; we have life-saving antiretroviral medication. Everyone should get involved to create awareness about this disease that is ravaging our communities. Let us tackle this challenge together.”

GSS Garki Principal, Mr. Sadeeq Ayo Ochiji, thanked the Institute for the sensitization activity and packages given to the students.

“It is wonderful that you have looked outside the box and have reached out to community leaders like me to play my own role in the goal to end AIDS because I am a community leader here in this school.”

Before the school sensitization program in Abuja, IHVN  participated in a press conference and road walk organized by the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) to create awareness about HIV and the importance of getting tested for HIV.

In Nasarawa State, Katsina State and Rivers State, IHVN commemorated the day with a call to communities to shun stigmatization, utilize HIV services and take action to end HIV through road walks with stakeholders and community outreaches providing free HIV testing services.

As Nigeria joins the world to commemorate World AIDS Day 2023 with the theme, “Communities: Leadership to End AIDS by 2030”, the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) has collaborated with the Association of Positive Youths in Nigeria (APYIN) to sensitize Gbazango community on HIV and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) prevention in their community.

The sensitization activity started with a road walk from the NYSC junction in Kubwa Abuja to the Gbazango Chief Palace where community members gathered to participate in an interactive session on HIV and GBV.

IHVN Senior Program Officer Prevention, Care and Treatment, Ms. Ngozi Elema urged the community to spread the word about HIV prevention to others. “There are new approaches to HIV prevention such as the use of self-test kits for HIV testing. People don’t need to be ashamed to get tested for HIV. People living with HIV can access treatment and live well.  Women living with HIV can have HIV-free babies. They should not be stigmatized.”

Gbazango Youth Leader, Mr. Musa Jagaba said that the program has enlightened more youths about curbing the spread of the disease. “There is this stigma that comes with having HIV but with better understanding, community members can realize that HIV is not a death sentence and should treat people living with HIV well. I have told them to contact us in the palace for more information on how to link people living with HIV with the necessary care, treatment, and prevention of GBV. Some of them do not know that they can be protected from gender-based violence.”

APYIN FCT Coordinator, Mrs. Victoria Abah noted that “research has shown that young girls are more vulnerable to GBV especially in rape, early marriage, emotional and physical abuse. We don’t just want to speak about HIV prevention but about gender-based violence because GBV is part of stigma. We call women to speak up. Don’t die in silence when experiencing GBV.”