The Society for Family Health has commenced training of 100 law enforcement officers in gender, human diversity and human rights approach 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, the SFH Chief of Party, AbdulHamid Salihu, said the training was a landmark achievement on the fight against HIV in the country.

Mr 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 prevalence of HIV.

He explained that law enforcement agencies had been partners to the SFH successes especially on issues related to public health programmes, 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 population.

According to him, SFH embarked on public health and system strengthening programmes focused on the poor, vulnerable and marginalised in society.

He stated, “We have had cause to call on you on many occasion for help, to address issues, manage crises and provide for needs of these groups.’’

He reiterated the commitment of SFH to continue to support the law enforcement agents as ensured in the past, towards sustaining future efforts to tackle expectations.

Salihu noted, “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.’’

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.

Participants comprised personnel from police, prison service, NSCDC, NDLEA, Hisbah Board and State HIV/AIDS Control Agencies from Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states.

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 gay 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)