Blog

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.