• Super Admin
• 08 Mar, 2026

As the world marks the 2026 International Women's Day (IWD), AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Nigeria has called for proactive action to give women and young girls the opportunities and support they deserve. AHF Nigeria Country Programme Director (CPD), Dr Echey Ijezie, who made this call in a statement signed by the Marketing and Advocacy Manager, Steve Aborishade, said the organisation stands in solidarity with women and girls worldwide, celebrating their achievements while championing action to break down barriers to health, equality and opportunity. He stated that AHF Nigeria is joining the global movement to demand an end to the inequities that hold women and girls back, with an IWD commemoration on March 9 across all AHF Nigeria states, including Abuja-FCT, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Benue, Cross River, Kogi and Nasarawa State. While he noted that when women thrive, all nations rise, Ijezie lamented that, despite decades of progress, women and girls remain disproportionately impacted by HIV/AIDS, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where they account for more than 60 per cent of new HIV infections. Globally, gender-based violence, lack of access to healthcare, restrictions on reproductive rights, income inequality and limited educational opportunities further entrench disparities. "Access to affordable menstrual health products and comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education also remain out of reach for millions, compromising dignity, mobility and opportunity." He reminded everyone - leaders, policymakers and communities - that when individuals, organisations and communities give women and young girls the opportunities and support they deserve, the whole community thrives. For IWD 2026, AHF Nigeria will host a 'Continuous Medical Education (CME)' session for health workers in the over 156 healthcare facilities where AHF provides services across the seven states of operation in Nigeria, focusing on the gendered coloration of the HIV/AIDS pandemic and how best to help women, particularly the majority of women living in rural communities, to navigate and improve their wellbeing and livelihood. Ijezie said, "AHF Nigeria places enormous value on women and girls in the society, and it is the reason why our programmes are anchored around impacting women and young girls. "We will continue to prioritise issues that affect women as we call on everyone - leaders, policymakers and communities - to turn their commitments into action to accelerate development for women and young girls." He pledged that AHF will continue to prioritise women and girls by advocating for policies that protect and uplift them worldwide, from distributing free menstrual products and combating gender-based violence to expanding access to HIV/AIDS services, to ensure every woman and girl can lead a healthy, empowered life. Source: https://thesun.ng/iwd-ahf-nigeria-calls-for-deserving-opportunities-support-for-women-young-girls/