The Gender Equality Fund Project has been launched in Lagos State to reduce the prevalence of HIV, TB, and Malaria in the state.
The project brought together key stakeholders with the three implementing partner organisations: Sustainable Impact and Development (SID) Initiative, Hall of Care and Good Humanitarian Initiative (HCHI), and Biola Ariyo Youth and Women Foundation (BAYWO).
This meeting also marked the formal commencement of project activities and set the stage for a youth-centred, inclusive approach to advancing gender equality and social justice in Lagos State.
Supported by Y+ Global and funded by the Global Fund, GSK, and ViiV Healthcare, the project focuses on empowering Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW) through capacity building, leadership development, and improved access to sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR).
It also incorporates strong advocacy components on HIV, Tuberculosis, and Malaria (HTM). The initiative prioritises AGYW from marginalised backgrounds, including those living with HIV, living with disabilities, LBTIQ+ persons, sex workers, AGYW in rural or conflict-affected areas, and young mothers.
The inception meeting served as a collaborative platform for stakeholders to engage with the project’s goals, understand their roles, and explore areas of synergy. Implementing partners presented their strategies, emphasised the importance of stakeholder involvement, and reinforced the project’s commitment to intersectionality and inclusion.
In her opening remarks, the Executive Director of the SID Initiative, Elizabeth Talatu Williams, noted that the goal was to reduce the prevalence of HIV, TB, and Malaria among this population in Lagos State.
During the stakeholder engagement session, Executive Director of BAYWO, Mrs. Abiola Ajani-Ariyo, emphasised the need for training healthcare providers to deliver youth-friendly services, highlighting persistent access gaps in Lagos.
She called for sustained collaboration and support from stakeholders in executing planned activities.
