The Network of People Living with HIV and AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN) has decried the non-utilisation of about $1.3 million in funding for gender and human rights issues, amid growing concerns of Gender-based Violence (GBV) across the country.
The group noted that while the said fund from the Global Fund remains unutilised by the country, it is shameful that Nigeria is still demanding additional funds from the international community, neglecting the urgency to save women and girls from GBV.
At an interactive session organised by the Association of Women Living with HIV and AIDS in Nigeria (ASWHAN) in Abuja, on the rights of women and girls facing discrimination to seek justice, the National Coordinator of NEPWHAN, Abdulkadir Ibrahim, said: “ASWHAN is organised and has the strength to draw in partnership, especially with the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and other institutions such as the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP). I am impressed by the NPF representation. We must deepen the argument on the table to bring in more stakeholders.
“On the issue of gender and human right, we have received about $1.3 million as a country from Global Fund. The global community is now accusing Nigeria of a lack of capacity to spend the money.
The National Coordinator of ASWHAN, Mrs Assumpta Reginald said: “During COVID-19 restrictions, GBV cases escalated. It is exciting that stakeholders rub minds together and pave the way for the intervention of GBV.”
The Nigeria Police Force must relate appropriate information to the public on GBV and how it can be handled and reported to get justice.”