The Society for Family Health (SFH) has commenced training 100 law enforcement officers on gender, human diversity, and human rights approaches to HIV service delivery.
The training is under the Key Population Community HIV Services for Action and Response (KP-CARE 2) Project, which is being supported by USAID and implemented by SFH in eight states.
Declaring the training open on Monday in Sokoto, Mr. AbdulHamid Salihu, the SFH Chief of Party, said the training was a landmark achievement in the fight against HIV in the country.
Salihu said the three-day event, tagged ”To Create a Safer and More Secure Environment for Everyone,” was aimed at strengthening the capacity of personnel on human rights protection issues and the prevalence of HIV.
He explained that law enforcement agencies had been partners in the SFH’s successes, especially on issues related to public health programs and HIV and AIDS service delivery.
He identified other areas to include: research and implementation, as well as general security provision, especially among the key and priority populations.
According to him, SFH embarked on public health and system strengthening programmes focused on the poor, vulnerable, and marginalised in society.
”We have had cause to call on you on many occasions for help, to address issues, manage crises, and provide for the needs of these groups,” Salihu said.
He reiterated the commitment of SFH to continue to support law enforcement agents, as it has in the past, towards sustaining future efforts to tackle expectations.
”We believe that you are an important channel to ensure communities have access to improved health and human rights in Nigeria.
”We also believe this training is an opportunity to highlight key areas and encourage you as you conduct your policing activities in communities and commands,” he added.
The Chief of Party expressed optimism that the training would strengthen participants’ capacity and broaden their understanding in areas relating to effective and humane policing, including marginalised populations.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that participants comprised personnel from the police, prison service, NSCDC, NDLEA, Hisbah Board, and state HIV/AIDS control agencies from Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara States.
The KP-CARE Project implementing states were Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Kebbi, Kano, Taraba, Sokoto, and Zamfara States, while the key population included commercial sex workers, persons injecting drugs, and gays, among others.
The project is meant to reduce HIV prevalence and mitigate the impact of HIV on key populations in Nigeria by providing HIV prevention tips, care, and treatment services, as well as addressing structural barriers to accessing the services. (NAN)
