Stakeholders in Nigeria’s health, justice and development sectors have called for stronger action against gender-based violence (GBV) and intimate partner violence (IPV), warning that efforts to reduce HIV infections and improve healthcare access may fall short without addressing these persistent challenges.
The call was made during the Global Fund Grant Cycle 8 (GC8) National Consultative Workshop on Gender Equality, Gender-Based Violence and Intimate Partner Violence Programming in Nigeria, organized in Abuja by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) under the Joint United Nations Team on HIV/AIDS, with support from the Global Fund and other development partners.
Participants at the consultation emphasized that while Nigeria has recorded notable progress in expanding HIV prevention, testing and treatment services, violence, stigma and discrimination continue to hinder access to healthcare for women, girls and other vulnerable populations.
Speaking at the event, the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Oyedepo Iseoluwa Rotimi (SAN), said public health outcomes are closely linked to issues of justice, human rights and protection. Representing the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, he noted that stigma, fear and institutional barriers continue to prevent many at-risk groups from accessing essential healthcare services.
Rotimi observed that although Nigeria has achieved reductions in overall HIV prevalence, new infections remain disproportionately concentrated among vulnerable populations. He stressed the importance of adopting inclusive, rights-based approaches to healthcare delivery.
He also highlighted the vulnerability of inmates in correctional facilities and survivors of human trafficking, noting that inadequate access to healthcare and support services often increases their exposure to HIV, tuberculosis and other health threats.
According to him, stronger collaboration between health and justice institutions, improved referral mechanisms for survivors of violence, expanded healthcare access in custodial centres and increased investment in programmes addressing the root causes of vulnerability are critical to improving health outcomes.
For the UNDP, the workshop provided an opportunity to strengthen efforts aimed at integrating GBV and IPV interventions into Nigeria’s broader health and development agenda.
UNDP Gender Lead, Onyinye Belinda Ndubuisi, said violence within intimate relationships continues to undermine women's ability to seek healthcare, disclose their HIV status and access needed support services.
She explained that the consultation brought together government agencies, development partners, civil society organizations and human rights advocates to assess existing gaps and develop practical strategies for addressing them.
Ndubuisi stressed the need for gender-focused interventions to be fully incorporated into Nigeria’s Global Fund GC8 proposal, rather than being treated as secondary priorities.
She further called for a shift from awareness-focused campaigns to comprehensive programmes that provide direct support to survivors while tackling the social and economic drivers of violence.
Also addressing participants, Country Director of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) in Nigeria, Ms. Krittayawan Boonto, said legislative measures alone are insufficient without effective enforcement and implementation.
While acknowledging Nigeria’s efforts to enact laws aimed at protecting women and children from violence, she noted that many survivors still face significant challenges in reporting abuse and obtaining support.
Boonto urged policymakers to ensure that GBV and IPV interventions are clearly reflected in national funding priorities, supported by measurable targets and accountability mechanisms.
She added that the Global Fund’s eighth grant cycle presents a strategic opportunity to secure investments capable of delivering lasting benefits for women, girls and other vulnerable groups.
Similarly, the Global Fund’s Head of HIV, Dr. Izukanji Sikazwe, described the fight against violence and discrimination as essential to ending the HIV epidemic.
According to her, fear of abuse, social exclusion and other forms of violence often discourage individuals from seeking HIV prevention, testing and treatment services.
She said the Global Fund is working closely with government agencies and community groups to identify targeted interventions that reduce vulnerability while improving access to HIV, tuberculosis and malaria services.
Sikazwe also expressed concern over reports showing that many incidents of violence occur within families and trusted social environments, underscoring the urgency of strengthening prevention and response efforts.
At the end of the consultation, stakeholders agreed that stronger protection systems, improved access to justice and survivor-centred services are necessary to advance both public health and gender equality objectives.
Recommendations from the workshop are expected to inform Nigeria’s Global Fund Grant Cycle 8 funding request and shape future investments in programmes aimed at preventing and responding to gender-based and intimate partner violence.