GBV: ICWWA urges concrete actions to eliminate all forms of gender violence in Nigeria

The International Community of Women Living with HIV/AIDS West Africa (ICWWA), has stressed the need for concrete actions to prevent and eliminate all forms of gender violence in the country.

ICWWA also called for investments in community-led response towards ending gender based violence (GBV) as it relates to HIV in Nigeria.

Speaking at the event to mark the 2023 16 days of activism with the theme “Invest to prevent violence against women and girls”, in Abuja, Regional Director of ICWWA, Assumpta Reginald Ukam, noted that Gender-based violence is a precursor to mental health and HIV adding that the impact of GBV is borne by adolescent Girls and women living with HIV&AIDS in Nigeria.

Ukam observed that Nigeria is grappling with the reality of gender inequality and how the impact has a devastating effect on especially young girls and women, we can only continue with intensified sensitization to mitigate this challenge and lead in collaborative engagement to stop stigma and discrimination, eliminate gender based violence in order to achieve the global goal of eliminating new HIV infection by 2030.

She said: “I am here to give my voice to the community we serve at this very important event as we mark the 16 days of activism to end violence against Women. We will be intentional about community sensitization on GBV, SRHR and HIV prevention which for now, stands as the cheapest and effective model.

“I am aware that the current national strategic plan is geared towards the elimination of mother-to-child-transmission of HIV.

“This is an extremely good development. We are however still far from this vision, due to the fact that women and girls in Nigeria are more susceptible to diseases, social vices and have little or no knowledge on accessible and affordable health care services.”

Ukam called for a direct funding for women-led community-based activities, to support delivery by skilled personnel, in systems and structures that promote safe sexual Reproductive Health Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV (PMTCT) and EID-uptake to make the needed difference.

Acting Director, Policy, Planning and Coordination Department at the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) Dr. Yinka Falola, said that Nigeria is at the last mile of ending HIV as a public health emergency, end AIDS and support those living with HIV and stop the transmission of the virus. Stressed the need for increased investment on prevention,

Falola observed that highlighted the intersectionality of HIV and Gender-based violence, sexual violence, poverty adding that where there is poverty and where there is no power, people continue to suffer in silence.
“We are coming back to the community, not just for world AIDS day slogan, but as the mode we will be till 2030 in order to sustain the gains we have made for HIV, others response.

“We have to go back to the community, and let out work be in the community”, Falola added.
In his remarks, the Country Director of UNAIDS, Dr. Leo Zekeng, urged collaboration with community leaders on GBV and HIV sensitization.

He also called for girl child education as a means of enlightenment and empowerment.

The International Community of Women Living with HIV/AIDS West Africa (ICWWA), has stressed the need for concrete actions to prevent and eliminate all forms of gender violence in the country. ICWWA also called for investments in community-led response towards ending gender based violence (GBV) as it relates to HIV in Nigeria. Speaking at the event…
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The International Community of Women Living with HIV/AIDS West Africa (ICWWA), has stressed the need for concrete actions to prevent and eliminate all forms of gender violence in the country. ICWWA also called for investments in community-led response towards ending gender based violence (GBV) as it relates to HIV in Nigeria. Speaking at the event…
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