Implementing Nigeria's Plan of Action on GBV & HIV/AIDS Intersection Authors: Yinka Falola- Anoemuah, PhD NACA; David Owolabi, UNDP; Godwin Asuquo, SCUS, Kemi Ndieli, UN Women; Samaila Adamu,FMWASD; Gabriel Undelikwo, Mianko Ramaroson UNAIDS
Outline Background and National Context Why PoA? Needs Assessment and Mapping findings The NPoA Framework Outcome, goals, objectives, outputs and broad activities Implementation Roles Implementation Updates Challenges Lessons learned Conclusion
Relevant National Context, Issues and Challenges Nigeria s population as of 2013 (NBS) is 174million (86 million, women and 87million men) HIV prevalence for females in 2007 and 2012 was 4.0% and 3.5%, and a levelling of prevalence for men from 3.2% to 3.3%. Females 59% of PLHIV (NARHS Plus 2012) The burden of HIV is higher for women than men across all age groups except 35-39 years and 40-44 years age groups in 2012. HIV prevalence is consistently higher among females when compared to males across most states whether in urban or rural settings. The intersection between HIV and gender-based violence (GBV) is a key driver of HIV infection among women and girls. 28% of women aged 15 to 49 have experienced physical violence since the age of 15. MSM; transgender people; and men, women and transgender sex workers are at greater risk of GBV due to well pronounced stigma and discrimination, coupled with legislations that criminalize homosexuality and sex work (UNDP, 2013)
..Relevant National Context, Issues The proportion of females circumcised at age 5 years was above 78.0 percent except age group 40-44 years, where circumcision reduced from 79.3 percent in 2008 to a 7.7 percent in 2013 Trafficking in persons is female dominated, percentage of women trafficked for prostitution was highest for 18-27 age group(70%)
HIV Prevalence in the General Population By Sex (NARHS 2007, 2012)
Knowledge of HIV Transmission among the General Population (NDHS, 2008)
Why NPoA? Gender Related Studies: Findings & Recommendations Inadequate coordination- need for coordinated multi-sectoral interagency response Health workers related stigma Need for stronger and well targeted advocacy- policy makers, parliamentarians, executive, judiciary, law enforcement, Need for capacity building- policy makers, parliamentarians, executive, judiciary, law enforcement, health workers Gaps in curriculum- Curriculum Review Ignorance about GBV issues -Health education and behavioural change messages Need for integration and mainstreaming services, policy, implementation Need for gender management systems at all levels of programming Legal environment assessment not conducive for KP interventions
.Why NPoA? Gender Related Studies: Findings & Recommd. Need to develop or review protocols and guidelines Strengthen civil society groups: KP, YP especially adolescent girls and vulnerable women Strategic male involvement Strengthen referral system
NPOA Framework
Outcome and Goal of the Plan OUTCOME OF PLAN OF ACTION: Enhance gender equality and the protection of vulnerable groups using the rights based approaches to the reduction in incidence of GBV/HIV and AIDS. GOAL OF THE ACTION PLAN: The goal of the plan is to significantly reduce by 30% incidence of GBV through prevention education and ensure that integrated GBV/HIV services are available at all levels.
Strategic Objectives 1. To improve coordination of response activities on gender based violence intersection with HIV/AIDS by 2017 2. To advocate for the review and/or repeal of 80% of the Laws and Policies which promote GBV 2017 3. To foster partnerships, collaboration and active involvement of all stakeholders thus ensuring that 70% of communities across the Federation are actively contributing to GBV/HIV program efforts. 4. To develop operational capacity of public and private institutions to implement programs to reduce GBV/HIV 5. To ensure that all victims of GBV are provided quality preventive, treatment and rehabilitation services by skilled service providers in line with national guidelines 6. To increase the resources allocated and available for public and private sector institutions and civil society to provide GBV/HIV 7. To improve programming and strengthen comprehensive monitoring/reporting and data utilisation through the integration of GBV/HIV indicators into the National health management information system
Activities Activities are organized according to the following thematic areas: Enabling Environment(policy, legal, popular support) Community participation, partnerships and Collaboration Service Delivery Financing and Resource Allocation MIS, Research and M&E
Implementation Roles and Responsibilities Ownership dwells with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development and NACA at the national level and corresponding ministries at the state level At the federal level, policy direction and coordination, monitoring, supervision and technical back- stopping including selected capacity building and advocacy activities Strong partnership with all HIV/AIDS and gender line ministries- Education, Youth Development, Agriculture, and Sports etc. will be enhanced. Most of the activities in the plan are to implemented at the states and Local levels with each state providing leadership, supervision, capacity building, monitoring and in ensuring availability of tools and resources for implementation. Strong collaboration and partnership at all levels and adequate participations of the civilsociety, youth groups and networks of women and vulnerable groups and the communities.
Implementation Update National launch and dissemination of the POA Violence against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act in Nigeria Coordination platform at national level strengthened Capacity building for relevant State teams (5 out of 37 States) Strengthening of gender management systems for HIV response to support community level interventions - Developed guidelines and capacity building tools for all actors - GBV in the new Gender Thematic Area in new NSP (2016-2020) for HIV Response - Technical support for networks of women and children living with HIV & GBV survivors - Engagement of community champions male, traditional leaders and groups Pro bono legal services with FIDA and the Coalition of Lawyers for Human Rights Ongoing efforts in incorporation of GBV/HIV indicators and tools for the national M&E and informational management system for health and non-health sectors
Implementation Challenges Need to reach all the States in a coordinated manner Need for increased government funds for implementation Inadequate capacity for implementation of integrated GBV/HIV programmes
Lessons learned The Violence against Persons Prohibition Act in Nigeria, the long awaited platform for increased government commitment to support the implementation the national plan for GBV/HIV. This must be backed with adequate resources. Successful collaboration for the intervention indicates possibility that persistent and sustained advocacy and national consensus for addressing even the most sensitive national issue. It gives prospect for appropriate interpolations for key populations issues in the country.
Conclusion It is hoped that the current efforts of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and NACA to support the states through advocacy, technical backstopping, training and orientation of Desk Officers on the implementation of National Plan of Action will result in increased resource allocation and improved capacity for implementation across the 36 states and FCT The intervention is revolutionary in the history of Nigeria s HIV response and if the plan is implemented successful it is capable of contributing to progressive decline in national HIV prevalence.
National Coordination Forum for 5 implementing States