UNDP Workshop in Abuja Tackles GBV and HIV Response

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and partners held a workshop in Abuja to discuss the intersection of gender-based violence (GBV) and Nigeria's HIV response. Director of Public Prosecutions, Oyedepo Iseoluwa Rotimi, highlighted that health challenges in Nigeria are intertwined with issues of justice and human rights.

Despite a decline in national HIV prevalence, new infections remain disproportionately high among vulnerable groups, underscoring the need for inclusive, rights-based interventions. The workshop aimed to strengthen collaboration between health and justice institutions, improve referral systems for survivors of violence, and expand healthcare services for custodial populations.

Onyiny Belinda Ndubuisi, UNDP's gender lead, noted that violence in intimate relationships continues to hinder women's ability to seek healthcare and disclose their HIV status. The discussions aimed to push for coordinated responses to GBV and HIV within Nigeria's development health agenda.