AHRDI, NEPWHAN Partner Media, Rights Commission to Tackle HIV Stigma, GBV

Health advocates in Edo State have secured fresh commitments from journalists and human rights officials to confront HIV-related stigma and gender-based violence, following a series of high-level engagements led by the Access to Health and Rights Development Initiative (AHRDI) and the Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN).

The groups, working under the Community-Led Monitoring (CLM) project, reached the agreements after separate advocacy visits to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council, and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in Benin City. The initiative, backed by the Global Fund through NEPWHAN, seeks to expose gaps in healthcare delivery and push institutions to respond to the realities faced by people living with HIV.

At the NUJ Press Centre, NEPWHAN’s Edo State Coordinator, Friday Osayende, made a direct appeal to journalists to take ownership of the narrative around HIV. He said the project has begun documenting experiences often ignored in official reports, including discrimination within families and health facilities.

“The media can decide what society pays attention to,” Mr Osayende said. “We are placing evidence before you—real stories, real gaps—and asking you to act.”

The NUJ Chairman in Edo, Festus Alenkhe, responded swiftly, announcing the formation of a three-member media team to drive coverage of HIV-related rights issues and gender-based violence. He said both print and broadcast outlets would prioritise the subject, naming a popular local radio programme as one of the platforms to carry the campaign.

In a separate meeting with the NHRC, AHRDI Programme Officer Kackah Alex presented field reports detailing cases of extortion, harassment and rejection linked to HIV status. He warned that many victims remain silent due to fear and distrust of reporting channels.

“These are not isolated incidents,” Mr Alex said. “People are being pushed out of homes, denied dignity and exploited, yet they hesitate to seek help.”

Responding, Osahemi Okoro Ifunaya, Deputy Director at the NHRC Edo office, assured the delegation that the commission would act on verified complaints and strengthen protections for victims. She emphasised that the commission’s services are free and urged affected individuals to come forward.

The alliances signal a shift from data gathering to enforcement, with advocates now relying on the reach of the media and the authority of the NHRC to press for accountability.

For many living with HIV in Edo, the outcome of this collaboration may determine whether their experiences remain hidden or finally receive public attention—and justice.