Chinedum Treasure
Equitable Health for Women and Empowerment Initiative (EHWEI) has emphasized right to health and the need to promote safe sex practices, particularly among Female Sex Workers (FSWs).
Executive Director, Igwe Precious Nneka stated this during a rally and sensitization program in commemoration of World AIDS Day in collaboration with the Ebonyi State Agency for the Control of AIDS (EBOSACA).
She advocated for collective effort to stop the spread of HIV, emphasizing that stigma is a significant barrier to achieving this goal.
She said, “The theme for the year, “Take the Right Path: My Health, My Rights,” provided an opportunity to raise awareness among Female Sex Workers (FSWs) and general public about HIV prevention, care and support, while also advocating for the rights and dignity of people living with HIV/AIDS.”
Appreciating ISDAO-Love Alliance for its funding and support, which made the event possible, Igwe reaffirmed EHWEI’s dedication to working with stakeholders and community members to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS, combat stigma and ensure that everyone has access to quality healthcare and support.
She further expressed gratitude to the EHWEI team and volunteers for their commitment, emphasizing the importance of the year’s theme which highlight right to health and the need to promote safe sex practices, particularly among FSWs.
She also used the opportunity to honor individuals who had lost their lives to HIV/AIDS, urging everyone to work together to halt the spread of the virus.
Program Officer, Paul Gloria described stealthing (Non-Consensual Condom Removal) as a form of sexual violence and rape, she highlighted its dangers, including increased risks of HIV transmission.
She urged FSWs to report such violations and emphasized the importance of consent in all sexual activities.
While educating the audience about Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), its effectiveness in preventing HIV and its accessibility, Paul explained eligibility criteria for PrEP and encouraged those at risk to consider it as a preventive measure.
EHWEI distributed safe sex commodities, including male condoms, female condoms, and lubricants provided free of charge to ensure accessibility for FSWs and other community members.
Participants were taught how to properly use condoms (male and female) and lubricants to reduce the risk of HIV transmission.
In addition, pamphlets containing key messages on HIV prevention, care and support were handed out, with the contact information of EHWEI’s case managers printed on them to facilitate further engagement.
The rally and sensitization program reached 500 hundred FSW and hundreds of individuals, raising awareness about HIV prevention, care and support, as well as the importance of combating stigma and discrimination.
EHWEI’s partnership with EBOSACA played a significant role in the success of the event, with EBOSACA providing technical support and ensuring the messages delivered during the rally and sensitization program aligned with state-level HIV prevention and care strategies.
The collaboration also enhanced the outreach efforts by enabling EHWEI to access key locations and mobilize a larger audience. The World AIDS Day celebration by EHWEI, in collaboration with EBOSACA, was a resounding success.
Through the rally and sensitization program, EHWEI demonstrated its commitment to promoting health, protecting human rights, and empowering vulnerable populations, especially FSWs.
The rally, which started from EBOSACA’s office, with over 40 FSW volunteers and the EHWEI team in three vehicles, covered key locations, including Township Stadium, International Market, Central Park, and Jabuna Brothel. Participants carried banners and placards with messages on HIV prevention and safe sex.
The event was made possible with the generous funding and support from ISDAO-Love Alliance.
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