AHF-Nigeria Targets Poverty, School Dropout in Drive to Protect Girls from HIV

AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Nigeria has called for increased government investment in girls’ education, vocational skills and economic independence, identifying these interventions as critical to reducing their vulnerability to HIV infection.
The organisation said addressing poverty and gender inequality alongside access to healthcare would strengthen efforts to protect adolescent girls and young women, particularly those facing economic and social barriers.
In a statement issued in Abuja on October 13 to mark the International Day of the Girl Child, AHF-Nigeria urged federal and state governments to adopt and fund its Girls Act model, which combines HIV prevention with education, livelihood development, menstrual health and leadership training. <Cite refs={[“turn694189view0”]}/>
The programme, established in 2016, operates on the principle of “For Girls, By Girls” and has expanded from five countries to nearly 40 countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean.
According to the organisation, Girls Act had more than 4,500 girls actively engaged in its activities as of 2026 and had distributed over one million sanitary pads.
AHF-Nigeria explained that girls who lack access to menstrual products, leave school prematurely or depend financially on others may face greater difficulties making independent decisions about their health and relationships.
To address these challenges, the programme supports girls living with HIV to remain on treatment while educating others on HIV prevention, sexual health and informed decision-making.
It also provides menstrual health products and teaches participants to make reusable sanitary pads, helping to improve access to essential hygiene materials.
Beyond healthcare, the initiative equips out-of-school girls with vocational and entrepreneurial skills while supporting those who wish to return to education.
In Abuja and Benue State, participants have received training in tie-dye, bead-making, tote-bag production and snack-making, including chin-chin, doughnuts and egg rolls.
The organisation said the training was intended to help girls develop income-generating skills, reduce financial dependence and improve their ability to make decisions about their lives.
The programme also promotes leadership through mentorship, advocacy and opportunities for girls to participate in decision-making in their schools and communities. Boys are included to encourage their involvement in creating safer environments for girls.
In Nigeria, AHF is implementing a leadership academy in collaboration with Education as a Vaccine (EVA).
The organisation urged governments to incorporate the Girls Act model into HIV response strategies, education policies and youth development programmes.
It called for dedicated budgets for menstrual health, vocational training and start-up support for out-of-school girls, alongside initiatives to help girls return to school and remain there.
AHF-Nigeria also advocated stronger referral pathways connecting young people to HIV testing, treatment and care.
It maintained that investing in girls’ health, education and economic empowerment could help address the underlying vulnerabilities that contribute to HIV infections.
The organisation urged government agencies, civil society groups and other stakeholders to support and expand the model, stressing that protecting girls from HIV requires coordinated action beyond healthcare services alone.