# Nigeria reproductive, HIV, and mental health advocacy

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/nigeria-reproductive-and-hiv-prevention-efforts
> Updated: 2026-10-10T16:10:05.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 3.

Health organizations in Nigeria are advocating for expanded access to reproductive healthcare and HIV prevention services. The Association for the Advancement of Family Planning (AAFP) Nigeria has identified significant barriers to contraceptive access, including high costs, transportation difficulties, and social stigma, which particularly affect rural populations and displaced persons.

In parallel, the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) is focusing on strengthening HIV prevention through public awareness and the promotion of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP). To combat misinformation and stigma, NACA has initiated media training workshops to encourage accurate reporting on preventive options such as lenacapavir. NACA is currently collaborating with the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) on a PrEP pilot program across several states, including Anambra, Benue, Gombe, Rivers, Cross River, Kwara, Ebonyi, Akwa Ibom, and the Federal Capital Territory.

To mark World Mental Health Day, health agencies are now calling for the integration of psychological support into existing medical frameworks. Dr. Hope Omeiza, Executive Director of Africa THE Vanguard Against Drug Abuse (VGADA), advocated for including individuals with lived experiences in policy development to better address the link between mental health and substance abuse. 

Additionally, the Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA) has urged that mental health services be integrated into the national HIV response. Executive Director Dr. Nkem Okeke warned that depression, anxiety, and social stigma can undermine treatment adherence, calling for HIV care to expand beyond medication to include counseling and mental health screening.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-10: Nigerian health agencies call for integrated mental health services

Nigerian health agencies are calling for better mental health integration, emphasizing the need for lived-experience perspectives and psychological support for HIV patients to combat stigma and improve care.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigerian-health-agencies-call-for-integrated-mental-health-services

### 2026-10-02: Nigeria promotes PrEP to strengthen HIV prevention response

Nigeria’s National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) is scaling up HIV prevention efforts by promoting Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and engaging media to improve public health literacy and reduce stigma.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-promotes-prep-to-strengthen-hiv-prevention-response

### 2026-09-27: Nigeria health agencies call for improved access to family planning and HIV prevention

Nigerian health agencies are advocating for better access to family planning and increased public awareness of HIV prevention tools like PrEP to overcome social and economic barriers to care.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-health-agencies-call-for-improved-access-to-family-planning-and-hiv-prevention

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Cite as: Nigeria reproductive, HIV, and mental health advocacy. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/nigeria-reproductive-and-hiv-prevention-efforts