Advocacy visit to NASACA on inclusive HIV services in Nasarawa
In August 2024 we met NASACA's Executive Director, Dr Ruth Bello, to press for non-discriminatory, rights-based HIV services for marginalised groups in Nasarawa State.
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In August 2024, Olive Rights to Health Initiative (ORHI), Lawyers Alert and other partners paid an advocacy visit to the Nasarawa State Agency for the Control of AIDS (NASACA). We met Dr Ruth Bello, the Executive Director of NASACA.
The discussion focused on improving health services for marginalised groups so that no one is left behind in the HIV response. We stressed the need for greater sensitivity in healthcare settings and strict adherence to anti-discrimination laws, so that people from stigmatised populations can use services safely.
A rights-based approach would help Nasarawa State make progress towards Nigeria's 95-95-95 targets and the goal of ending AIDS by 2030.
Dr Bello was receptive to our suggestions. She shared her commitment to closing existing gaps, outlined her plans to improve healthcare delivery and invited our team to work closely with NASACA on these efforts.
Ending HIV in Nigeria needs a collaborative approach with human rights and equity at its centre. We look forward to working with NASACA and our partners towards that goal.
