UNDP pushes for integrated response to GBV in Nigeria’s fight against HIV

By Joy Baba-Yesufu

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), under the United Nations Joint Team on HIV/AIDS, has intensified efforts to integrate Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) interventions into Nigeria’s HIV response strategy as stakeholders prepare for the implementation of the Global Fund Grant Cycle 8 (GC8).

The renewed commitment emerged at a one-day National Consultative Workshop on IPV/GBV Programming in Nigeria, convened in Abuja to develop a comprehensive framework for addressing the social and structural barriers fuelling HIV transmission and limiting access to healthcare services.

Speaking at the workshop, the Gender Lead at UNDP Nigeria, Onyinye Ndubuisi, said the consultation was designed to create a multi-sectoral platform bringing together government institutions, development partners, civil society organisations and human rights agencies to develop sustainable solutions to GBV and its impact on public health.

According to her, the workshop seeks to ensure that GBV and IPV interventions are mainstreamed into Nigeria’s forthcoming Global Fund-supported programmes rather than treated as standalone or peripheral issues.
“Gender-based violence remains a critical development challenge that directly affects health outcomes, particularly among women and vulnerable populations. This consultation is an opportunity to identify existing gaps and develop practical interventions that can be integrated into national programming under the Global Fund Grant Cycle 8,” she said.

Ndubuisi noted that intimate partner violence often discourages women from accessing HIV testing, treatment and counselling services due to fear of stigma, discrimination, abuse or rejection.

She explained that stakeholders are seeking to establish stronger coordination mechanisms involving the Federal Ministries of Justice, Health and Women Affairs, alongside agencies such as the National Human Rights Commission and development partners, to ensure a more holistic response to the challenge.

The workshop also aims to secure dedicated funding for GBV and IPV interventions within Nigeria’s GC8 funding envelope, thereby strengthening prevention, support services, behavioural change initiatives and economic empowerment programmes.

Earlier, the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Mr. Oyedepo Iseoluwa Rotimi (SAN), who delivered the welcome address on behalf of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, stressed the urgent need to address legal and institutional barriers that prevent vulnerable groups from accessing healthcare and justice services.

Rotimi said Nigeria’s HIV response could not succeed without tackling gender-based violence, stigma, discrimination and other structural inequalities that continue to drive infections among key populations.

He cited data showing that although Nigeria’s national HIV prevalence has declined to 1.4 per cent, key populations and their partners account for about 40 per cent of new HIV infections despite representing less than five per cent of the population.

The DPP further highlighted concerns over tuberculosis prevalence among HIV-positive key populations, warning that discrimination in healthcare facilities, fear of arrest, breaches of confidentiality and inadequate legal protections continue to discourage many from seeking medical care.

He also called attention to the health challenges facing inmates in correctional facilities, describing overcrowding, poor healthcare access and prolonged pre-trial detention as factors contributing to the spread of HIV and tuberculosis.

Rotimi urged stakeholders to ensure that the Global Fund’s next funding cycle prioritises interventions in custodial centres, anti-human trafficking programmes, mental health support services and stronger health-to-justice referral systems for survivors of gender-based violence.

“The true measure of success will be whether vulnerable individuals can access healthcare without fear, whether inmates can complete tuberculosis treatment, and whether survivors of trafficking and sexual violence can receive medical and legal support through a coordinated system,” he said.

Also speaking, the Head of HIV Programmes at the Global Fund, Izukanji Sikazwe, described GBV and IPV as major obstacles to achieving HIV epidemic control.

He said the Global Fund is working closely with the Nigerian government, state institutions and community organisations to identify effective interventions capable of reducing the prevalence of GBV and IPV while expanding access to HIV prevention and treatment services.

Sikazwe noted that presentations at the workshop highlighted disturbing levels of gender violence across the country, including cases allegedly perpetrated by family members and trusted community actors.

According to her, addressing these challenges is critical to ensuring that individuals can safely access HIV services, tuberculosis treatment and other healthcare interventions without fear of violence or discrimination.

Similarly, the Country Director of UNAIDS Nigeria, Tina Boonto, underscored the importance of aligning HIV programming with initiatives aimed at preventing gender-based violence and supporting survivors.

She noted that Nigeria continues to rely significantly on external funding for HIV programmes, making it essential to maximise available resources through integrated interventions that address both health and social vulnerabilities.

Stakeholders at the workshop agreed on the need for stronger legal protections, improved referral systems, enhanced psychosocial support services, greater community engagement and increased funding for programmes targeting Gender-Based Violence and Intimate Partner Violence.

The consultation forms part of Nigeria’s preparations for the Global Fund Grant Cycle 8, which will guide investments in HIV, tuberculosis and malaria programmes over the coming years.