GWIHR Joins ISDAO Love Alliance and NKPHRN to Advance Safety, Security, and Safeguarding in Key Population Health Programming in Nigeria

Greater Women Initiative for Health and Rights (GWIHR) was recently invited through the ISDAO Love Alliance joint initiative to collaborate with the Nigeria Key Population Health and Rights Network (NKPHRN – Network of Networks) in a strategic effort to strengthen the integration of safety, security, and safeguarding into key population health programming in Nigeria.


This engagement provided a platform for reviewing, validating, and rolling out strategies aimed at ensuring that health services for key populations are not only accessible but also safe, protective, and rooted in human rights.

Why the Focus on Safety, Security, and Safeguarding?

For key populations in Nigeria—including sex workers, people who use drugs, LGBTQ+ persons, and other marginalized groups—the risk of discrimination, violence, and rights violations remains a persistent challenge. These realities often limit access to essential health services and undermine public health goals.

By mainstreaming safety, security, and safeguarding into health programming, organizations aim to:
  • Ensure non-discriminatory, safe, and confidential health services.
  • Build systems of accountability that prevent exploitation, abuse, or rights violations.
  • Strengthen community trust and participation in health initiatives.
  • Provide robust referral and emergency response mechanisms where risks are identified.

The Review, Validation, and Roll-Out Process

As part of the engagement, GWIHR, alongside other stakeholders, took part in critically reviewing existing approaches to safeguarding within community-led health programs. Through participatory dialogue, gaps were identified and context-specific strategies were developed, ensuring alignment with both global safeguarding standards and Nigeria’s social and legal realities. Once validated, these strategies were formally rolled out for adoption and integration into programs serving key populations nationwide. The emphasis was placed on practical application—from program design to service delivery—so that safeguarding becomes an integral part of health interventions

A Step Toward Safer, Inclusive Health Systems

The inclusion of GWIHR in this initiative underscores the importance of community-based organizations in shaping rights-based programming. By working collaboratively with ISDAO Love Alliance and NKPHRN, GWIHR is contributing to a future where health services are safer, inclusive, and responsive to the lived realities of key populations. This partnership marks an important milestone in advancing Nigeria’s commitment to equitable health systems that uphold the dignity, rights, and safety of every individual.
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