In a recent sensitisation meeting held in Ilorin, stakeholders in Kwara State's health and development sector urged journalists to take a proactive role in exposing rights abuses, gender-based violence (GBV), and discrimination against vulnerable populations. The meeting was organized under the Advancing Integrated Health Services Delivery for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights and Communicable Diseases project.

The call to action was articulated in a statement released by Saad Hamdalat, the Press Secretary of the Kwara State Ministry of Health. During the meeting, Stephen Akinyele, Executive Director of the Hope for Family Development Initiative (HFDI), emphasized the critical role of media professionals and social media influencers in countering harmful misconceptions and disseminating accurate information regarding vulnerable groups.

Akinyele highlighted the importance of ensuring that media reports maintain the dignity and privacy of victims. He stated, "The media must disseminate accurate and stigma-sensitive information, challenge harmful misconceptions and protect the privacy, confidentiality and dignity of people living with HIV, adolescents, GBV survivors and other vulnerable groups."

The HFDI has been active in the community, reaching out to over 50,000 residents with messages concerning sexual and reproductive health and behaviour change. The organization has also sensitized 250 community and religious leaders and facilitated 30 community-led initiatives aimed at addressing stigma and discrimination.

In addition, Akinyele noted that the HFDI has organized 50 referral coordination meetings and documented 2,470 completed referrals to enhance access to sexual and reproductive health services and communicable disease interventions. The project is funded by the Global Fund through the National AIDS and STIs Control Programme and is implemented by Jhpiego, with HFDI serving as a key partner in Offa, Asa, and Moro Local Government Areas.

Chioma Oduenyi, Project Director at Jhpiego, represented by Williams Awotunde, the Jhpiego State Team Lead, discussed the integrated approach of the project, which combines sexual and reproductive health services with interventions for HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, and sexually transmitted infections. Oduenyi explained that this integrated model allows clients to access multiple services in one visit, thereby reducing both time and costs associated with healthcare access.

Additionally, the initiative promotes skilled birth attendance to combat maternal and newborn mortality rates. Oduenyi called for ongoing community engagement, stressing the need for collaboration among traditional and religious leaders, Ward Development Committees, and other community structures to effectively address stigma and GBV.

The stakeholders concluded the meeting by urging the government, healthcare providers, communities, development partners, and media organizations to strengthen their collaboration to ensure equitable access to healthcare and protect vulnerable individuals from stigma, discrimination, and rights abuses.