FG and UNDP Push for Stronger GBV Protections in Nigeria

The Federal Government of Nigeria and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have urged for stronger legal protections against gender-based violence (GBV) as part of a global fund initiative. This call was made during a national consultation workshop in Abuja, which focused on integrating GBV services into Nigeria's HIV and tuberculosis response.

Rotimi from the Federal Ministry of Justice highlighted alarming statistics, noting that HIV prevalence is at 1.4% among the general population, with significant rates among key populations, including 20.3% among people who inject drugs and 17.6% among transgender individuals. The workshop aimed to address barriers to healthcare access, particularly for GBV survivors, and emphasized the need for forensic medical care and psychosocial support.

Dr. Izukanji Sikazwe from the Global Fund identified GBV as a major barrier to ending the HIV epidemic, while Onyiny Ndubuisi from UNDP called for a coordinated approach to strengthen multi-sector collaboration and develop evidence-based strategies to improve health outcomes.