NGO Champions Inclusive HIV Education for Youth with Disabilities in Abuja
Abuja, Nigeria — In a bold step toward eliminating HIV-related stigma and bridging the information gap for underserved youth, the Slum and Rural Health Initiative (SRHIN) has hosted a groundbreaking workshop aimed at promoting inclusive HIV education for young people living with disabilities.
Held at the Grand Cubana Hotel in Abuja, the interactive session was part of SRHIN’s INCLUDE Project, which is focused on making HIV education accessible to all—regardless of physical or cognitive ability.
The initiative brought together teachers and educators who work directly with youth living with disabilities in Nigerian schools.
The NGO noted that HIV/AIDS is a major public health challenge in Nigeria, with thousands of new infections recorded each year, particularly among young people.
According to it, despite ongoing efforts, gaps in awareness, stigma, and limited access to accurate information continue to drive the epidemic.
Young people living with disabilities in Nigeria especially face a painful double exclusion, first from conversations about sexual health, and then from access to accurate HIV education.
Despite being equally (and sometimes more) vulnerable to HIV, they are frequently overlooked in programs designed to inform and protect.
However, participants at the workshop engaged in open, stigma-free discussions about HIV—what it is, how it spreads, and how misinformation continues to harm vulnerable communities.
The workshop also featured practical training on the use of HIV self-testing kits, empowering educators with the knowledge and confidence to introduce them within their school environments.
One of the standout features of the event was a breakout session where educators co-created inclusive teaching tools—visual aids, tactile resources, and simplified content—tailored for students with various learning needs.
“We can’t talk about inclusion without being intentional,” one participant shared.
“Our students need more than sympathy, they need tools, language, and support.”, another pressed.
Adding weight to the workshop, representatives from the Federal Ministry of Education’s Department of Special Needs Education were in attendance. Their presence was seen as a strong endorsement of inclusive health and education policies at the national level.
SRHIN’s efforts align with a broader global movement, supported by institutions like the International AIDS Society, which emphasizes the importance of inclusive HIV education—particularly for often-overlooked populations.
By the end of the workshop, the message was resounding: If HIV education isn’t inclusive, it isn’t complete.
This initiative marks a vital shift in how health education is delivered in Nigeria, and SRHIN is calling on more partners to support its mission.
To learn more about the INCLUDE Project or explore collaboration opportunities, follow SRHIN’s work and share this story. Together, we can ensure no young person is left behind in the fight against HIV.
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