Our sexual health unit serves the MSM community members with the provision of HIV/AIDS and STI prevention and other healthcare services through community engagement, advocacy, community dialogues, outreaches, peer education cohort and IPC sessions and HIV Testing Services with linkage and referrals thereby contributing to the Nigerian National HIV Response and thus improving the lives and the standard of living of MSM in Abuja and its environs. The unit’s intervention is also geared towards the prevention of HIV transmission from Mother-to-Child by engaging with parents and potential parents within the Key Affected Population.
Through the engagement of qualified healthcare personnel, trained social workers, as well as the network of community-based volunteers, we have reached over 41,350 MSM within FCT and its environs. We provide behavioural change communication messages to the MSM and reach them with comprehensive HIV prevention messages and safer sex products, thereby building their capacities on life building and coping skills which will further enhance their self-esteem to stand against stigma and discrimination in the society. Furthermore, to ensure that no one is left out, our interventions are also provided at different sites and hotspots that are within the residence of our target population.
As Part of ICARH’s mandate to reduce the impact of HIV/AIDS among the key populations, the unit provides access to on-site HIV Counselling and Testing and creates adequate linkages and referrals to Care and Support/treatment services. We also provide universal access to MSM-friendly health information and services, including comprehensive rights-based sexuality education and sexual and reproductive health for all MSM.
ICARH conducts on-site supervision, monitoring, mentorship, and technical assistance to ensure all project implementations are in line with the national guideline.
We work with volunteer Peer Educators, who provide HIV prevention messages and strategies such as safer sex and behavioral change. Our Peer Educators work within their communities by distributing information, condoms, and lubricants which overall contributes to the national HIV response in Nigeria.
