GWIHR Expands HIV Prevention Efforts in Rivers State Through YaaH Naija Project

Greater Women Initiative for Health and Right (GWIHR), under the YaaH Naija Project funded by UNICEF, successfully conducted a two-day outreach aimed at improving access to HIV self-testing (HIVST), pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), and HIV treatment services for young people in Rivers State, Nigeria. The outreach was carried out in four hotspots and two university communities within Obio/Akpor and Phalga Local Government Areas (LGAs), targeting both brothel-based and non-brothel-based young individuals at high risk of HIV infection.

The primary goal of the outreach was to increase HIV awareness, promote testing, and facilitate linkages to treatment and prevention services. This was achieved by expanding access to HIV self-testing kits, conducting risk assessments using Kobo Collect, strengthening referrals for PrEP and HIV treatment services, educating young people on HIV transmission and prevention strategies, and reducing stigma associated with testing and treatment.

The GWIHR team, in collaboration with trained community healthcare workers, peer educators, and local stakeholders, implemented a comprehensive HIV intervention program. Extensive mobilization efforts were carried out to inform and encourage participation among young people, particularly those in high-risk environments such as brothels and informal settlements. The team worked closely with community gatekeepers, youth leaders, and health advocates to ensure accurate information was widely disseminated.

A key component of the outreach was the distribution of HIV self-testing kits to individuals who met the eligibility criteria through a risk assessment using Kobo Collect. Participants were guided on how to use the self-test kits accurately and were provided with support in interpreting their results. Those who required additional testing or confirmation were linked to designated health facilities for further assessment.

For individuals identified as high-risk but HIV-negative, referrals were made for PrEP services to enable them to access preventive medication that significantly reduces their chances of contracting HIV. Those who tested positive for HIV were immediately linked to treatment facilities for further management, ensuring early initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) to improve health outcomes and prevent onward transmission.

Recognizing the psychological and emotional challenges associated with HIV testing and diagnosis, the GWIHR team provided on-the-spot counseling services. Participants were encouraged to ask questions, express concerns, and receive guidance on their next steps, whether for prevention or treatment. The peer support approach helped reduce stigma and encouraged more individuals to take control of their health.

The outreach recorded significant achievements in terms of engagement, service uptake, and awareness creation among young people in the target locations. Many individuals who had never been tested before participated in HIV self-testing, gaining a better understanding of their health status. There was a high demand for PrEP services, with many eligible participants expressing interest in starting the preventive medication. Those who tested positive were immediately referred for confirmatory testing and treatment at nearby healthcare facilities. The involvement of local youth networks and university communities enhanced trust, ensuring that more young people accessed services without fear of discrimination.

Despite the success of the outreach, some challenges were encountered. Stigma and misinformation remained significant barriers, as many young people held misconceptions about HIV testing and treatment. Limited awareness about PrEP as an HIV prevention method required additional education and follow-up. Geographical constraints and transportation issues also made it difficult for some individuals to follow through with referrals.

To build on the success of this outreach, GWIHR recommends expanding the frequency and coverage of outreach activities, increasing community sensitization efforts to address stigma and misconceptions, strengthening collaboration with health facilities to improve service delivery, enhancing access to PrEP and ART services, and leveraging digital platforms and peer-based approaches to engage more young people in HIV prevention and testing initiatives.

The two-day outreach program was a major step in increasing HIV awareness, testing, and treatment access among young people in Rivers State. Through strategic partnerships, innovative approaches, and direct community engagement, GWIHR successfully provided life-saving services to vulnerable populations while promoting a culture of regular testing and prevention. The impact of this initiative reaffirms GWIHR’s commitment to bridging healthcare gaps and ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their background, have access to quality HIV prevention and treatment services. Moving forward, GWIHR aims to scale up these efforts, ensuring that more young people are empowered to take control of their health and well-being.