Lagos releases policy document on gender-based violence, HIV, AIDS

Lagos State AIDS Control Agency, in collaboration with UNAIDS has developed a policy document for addressing Gender Based Violence (GBV), HIV, and AIDS in the state.

In a statement on Tuesday, 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.

Presenting the policy document at a stakeholders’ engagement held at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Chief Executive Officer of Lagos State AIDS Control Agency, Dr Folakemi Animashaun explained that the intersection of HIV and AIDS and GBV presents a critical public health and human rights challenge which demands urgent attention.

Animashaun stated that the guideline which was developed through the collaborative efforts 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 has been designed to reflect the needs of people living with HIV, survivors of GBV, and other vulnerable groups.

Animashaun stated further that the government recognizes that by addressing the root causes and overlapping impacts of HIV & AIDS and GBV, significant strides can be made towards achieving the shared goals of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination, zero AIDS-related deaths, and Zero Gender-Based Violence in the state.

She added that the guidelines would present an opportunity for all stakeholders to unite efforts to combat the dual epidemic.

The Chief Executive Officer emphasized that the development of the guideline is a direct reflection of the present administration’s commitment to the Health and Environment Mandate of the THEMES PLUS agenda which aims at ensuring that those affected by HIV and GBV receive the care, support, and protection they need to lead healthy and productive lives.

The Executive Secretary of Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence, Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, represented by Mrs. Tumininu Oni, has praised the Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA) for its significant strides in combating HIV.

Tumininu emphasized 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 factors such as coercion, limited agency, and restricted access to essential AIDS-related services.

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

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

Zekeng, who was represented by Dr. Temitope Fadiya, however, assured that UNAIDS remains committed to working with governments, civil society, and other partners to create a society where the rights and dignity of all are respected, promoted, and fulfilled.