HIV: AHF-Nigeria Seeks Targeted Interventions For Adolescent Girls, Young Women

HIV: AHF-Nigeria Seeks Targeted Interventions for Adolescent Girls, Young Women

AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Nigeria has called for targeted interventions to protect adolescent girls and young women from HIV, citing persistent gender inequalities, poverty and limited access to health services as factors contributing to their vulnerability.

The organisation made the call in Abuja on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, as part of activities marking the International Day of the Girl Child.

AHF-Nigeria noted that despite advances in the global response to HIV/AIDS, adolescent girls and young women continued to bear a disproportionate burden of the epidemic, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.

It stressed that improving access to HIV information and healthcare must go hand in hand with efforts to address the social and economic conditions that prevent girls from making informed decisions about their lives.

According to the organisation, poverty and patriarchal practices can limit girls’ access to education, menstrual hygiene products and financial resources, leaving them with fewer options to protect their sexual and reproductive health.

To address these challenges, AHF operates the Girls Act programme, a global initiative launched in 2016 to empower girls through health education, schooling, vocational training and leadership development.

The programme, founded on the principle of “For Girls, By Girls”, has expanded from five countries to nearly 40 countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean.

AHF-Nigeria disclosed that more than 4,500 girls were actively engaged in the programme as of 2026, while over one million sanitary pads had been distributed.

The initiative provides HIV prevention education and supports girls living with HIV to remain on treatment. It also promotes menstrual hygiene by distributing sanitary products and teaching participants how to make reusable pads.

Beyond health education, Girls Act supports girls who wish to return to school and equips those who are out of school with vocational skills to improve their economic independence.

In Abuja and Benue State, participants have received training in tie-dye, bead-making, tote-bag production and snack-making, including chin-chin, doughnuts and egg rolls.

The organisation said such skills could help girls establish small businesses, reduce financial dependence and strengthen their ability to make decisions concerning their health and future.

The programme also provides mentorship and leadership opportunities, encouraging girls to participate in advocacy and decision-making within their communities. Boys are included to promote shared responsibility for creating safer environments for girls.

In Nigeria, AHF is implementing a leadership academy in partnership with Education as a Vaccine (EVA).

The organisation urged federal and state governments to adopt and fund the Girls Act model as part of their HIV response, education and youth development programmes.

It recommended dedicated funding for menstrual health, vocational training and start-up support for out-of-school girls, as well as initiatives to help girls return to school and remain there.

AHF-Nigeria also called for improved referral systems to connect young people with HIV testing, treatment and care services.

It maintained that sustained investment in girls’ health, education and economic empowerment would help tackle the underlying inequalities that increase their vulnerability to HIV and enable them to build healthier, more independent futures.