Foundation Mobilises Health Workers to Address Gender Gap in HIV Response

By Praise Chinecherem

The AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Nigeria has intensified calls for stronger support for women and girls, warning that persistent gender inequalities continue to fuel the HIV/AIDS epidemic in many parts of the world.

The organisation said that although significant progress has been made in the global response to HIV, women and girls remain among the most vulnerable groups, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa where they account for more than 60 percent of new HIV infections.

To mark the International Women’s Day celebration, AHF Nigeria will host activities on March 9 across its operational states—Federal Capital Territory, Akwa Ibom State, Anambra State, Benue State, Cross River State, Kogi State, and Nasarawa State—as part of efforts to draw attention to the urgent need for inclusive policies and improved access to healthcare for women.

The organisation noted that structural challenges such as gender-based violence, poverty, limited educational opportunities and restricted access to reproductive health services continue to expose women and girls to greater health risks.

It also highlighted the growing concern over the lack of affordable menstrual health products and comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education, issues that experts say affect the dignity, mobility and wellbeing of millions of girls.

As part of its intervention for this year’s commemoration, AHF Nigeria will organise Continuous Medical Education (CME) programmes for healthcare workers across more than 156 health facilities where it provides HIV services.

The training sessions are designed to equip frontline health workers with the knowledge and skills needed to better respond to the gender dimensions of the HIV/AIDS pandemic, particularly among women in rural communities who often face multiple barriers to accessing care.

Country Programme Director of AHF Nigeria, Dr. Echey Ijezie, said the organisation remains committed to placing women and girls at the centre of its programmes.

According to him, empowering women is critical to achieving sustainable progress in healthcare and development. “AHF Nigeria places enormous value on women and girls in society, which is why our programmes are largely focused on impacting them positively,” he said.

He added that the organisation would continue advocating policies that protect women’s rights while calling on leaders, policymakers and communities to convert their commitments into tangible actions that will accelerate development for women and girls.

AHF also reaffirmed its broader commitment to initiatives that promote the health and empowerment of women, including expanding access to HIV prevention, testing and treatment services, distributing menstrual hygiene products and supporting efforts to tackle gender-based violence.

The organisation emphasised that the theme of its 2026 campaign, “Give to Gain,” underscores the importance of collective responsibility in building inclusive societies where women and girls have equal opportunities to thrive.

According to AHF, when communities invest in the wellbeing of women and girls, the benefits extend far beyond individuals, strengthening families and driving broader social and economic progress.

As the global community reflects on the significance of International Women’s Day, AHF Nigeria urged governments and stakeholders to move beyond rhetoric and implement practical measures that will dismantle barriers preventing women and girls from reaching their full potential.