The United Nations Women (UN Women) has reiterated its commitment to supporting the Association of Women Living with HIV in Nigeria (ASWHAN) in accessing care and other services to ensure their well-being.
The group made the declaration, on Thursday, during a two-day advocacy training organised for ASWHAN members from the 18 Southern states, in Asaba, Delta State.
The Acting Deputy Country Representative of UN Women Nigeria, Mrs Patience Ekeoba said there was the need to prioritise domestic funding from government institutions, the organised private sector, foundations, and charity organisations to support the cause of women living with HIV.
Ekeoba said that UN Women would continue to support ASWHAN’s efforts in convening various government, development partners, civil society organisations (CSOs), private sector organisations, and well-meaning Nigerians in prioritising support for the association.
She noted that women living with HIV in Nigeria face significant challenges, including stigma, discrimination, and inadequate access to healthcare and social protection services.
Ekeoba explained that the toolkit provided a practical framework for engaging in effective, grassroots-level advocacy.
According to her, participants are expected to develop state-specific advocacy action plans with clearly identified targets, timelines, and expected outcomes.
In his remarks, the Delta Commissioner for Women Affairs, Community and Social Development, Princess Pat Ajudua, noted that advocacy was not just an option, but a necessity.
She was represented by the Director of Women Development and Gender Affairs at the ministry, Dr Faith Okpohworho.
According to Ajidua, social and health workers across Nigeria play a critical role in bridging the gap between policy and the people.
The Resource Person, Martin Falana, engaged the participants on various topics including introduction to advocacy and role of ASHWAN, identifying issues for advocating and developing an advocacy plan.
Some of the participants commended UN Women for the initiative, saying that the training had helped to build more confidence in them.
The training was organised by he United Nations Women (UN Women), and was attended by the representatives from the 18 states in Southern Nigeria.
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