Lagos moves to tackle gender-based violence, HIV/AIDS with new policy document

Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA), in collaboration with the United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), has developed a policy document to address the challenges of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) in the state.

In a statement, yesterday, the policy document, tagged “Lagos State Guidelines for Addressing the Intersection of Gender-Based Violence and HIV and AIDS,” sets out guidelines to provide practical strategies, tools and actionable steps to integrate HIV and AIDS into GBV response.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the agency, Dr Folakemi Animashaun, while presenting the policy document at a stakeholders’ engagement held at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), said that the intersection of HIV/AIDS and GBV presents a critical public health and human rights challenge that demands urgent attention.

Animashaun further said that the guidelines, which were developed through the collaboration of LSACA, the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), Lagos State Ministry of Health, UNAIDS, the Network of People Living with HIV and AIDS (NEPWHAN) alongside other Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), Networks, service providers, local and International partners, had been designed to reflect the needs of people living with HIV, survivors of GBV, and other vulnerable groups.

She, however, emphasized that the development of the guidelines is a direct reflection of the current administration’s commitment to the health and environment mandate of the THEMES Plus agenda that aims at ensuring that those affected by HIV and GBV receive the care, support, and protection they need to lead healthy and productive lives.

Meanwhile, Executive Secretary of Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, represented by Tumininu Oni, praised the LSACA for its significant strides in combating HIV in the state.

Vivour-Adeniyi emphasised that the comprehensive guidelines within the policy would bolster the development of more effective prevention and response strategies as survivors of GBV face an elevated risk of HIV due to coercion, limited agency, and restricted access to essential AIDS-related services.

She, however, noted that the synergy between addressing public health challenges and social justice issues would reinforce the importance of integrated approaches in safeguarding the health and rights of vulnerable populations.

Also, the Country Director of UNAIDS, Dr Leopold Zekeng, who was represented by Dr Temitope Fadiya, expressed his appreciation to all contributors and partners who dedicated their time and expertise to the successful dissemination of the programme, stated that the guidelines present an opportunity for all stakeholders to unite efforts to combat the dual epidemics and work towards a future where everyone can live free from violence and enjoy safe and healthy lives.

Zekeng, however, gave the assurance that UNAIDS remains committed to working collaboratively with governments, civil society and other partners to create a society where the rights and dignity of all.