By Emmanuel Kwada
The AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Nigeria has issued an urgent call to address the alarming rate of new HIV infections among young women, with approximately 4,000 girls and women aged 15 to 24 contracting HIV weekly, over 3,300 of whom are in sub-Saharan Africa.
Ahead of the 2025 International Day of the Girl (IDG) on October 11, AHF Nigeria is urging governments to prioritize investments in HIV and STI prevention, testing, treatment, and policies that enhance access to healthcare, education, and reproductive health services.
In a statement, AHF Nigeria’s Advocacy and Marketing Manager, Steve Aborisade, emphasized the need for immediate action to protect young girls.
“To mark the International Day of the Girl, AHF Nigeria will host an empowerment event on October 10 at Community Commercial Secondary School, Ikot Oku Ubo, Uyo,” he announced. The event will focus on menstrual health, leadership, and education, while recognizing outstanding ideas from girls and distributing free sanitary pads. Partners, including CISHAN, CCCRN, and ECEWS, will join officials from the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Women Affairs at the event.
AHF Nigeria’s Country Programme Director, Dr. Echey Ijezie, highlighted the systemic barriers fueling the crisis, including gender-based violence, poor menstrual health, and limited access to sexual and reproductive health services.
“At AHF Nigeria, we are deeply concerned about the barriers confronting young girls. Every week, thousands become infected with HIV because of inequality, poor education, and limited access to health services,” he said.
Dr. Ijezie revealed that in 2023, 1.9 million adolescent girls and young women were living with HIV globally, compared to 1.2 million boys and young men, underscoring the disproportionate impact on females. He stressed that the International Day of the Girl serves as a critical platform to celebrate girls’ achievements and advocate for stronger policies to safeguard their health and future.
AHF Nigeria’s initiatives reflect a broader commitment to empowering young girls and addressing the structural challenges that leave them vulnerable to HIV and other health risks. The organization calls for collaborative efforts to ensure equitable access to resources and opportunities for girls across Nigeria and beyond.
