The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr. Tony Ojukwu, SAN, OFR, has emphasized that Nigeria is still grappling with the challenges of HIV and TB, which disproportionately affect vulnerable populations. He made this statement at the conclusion of a two-day training for law enforcement officers, traditional, and religious leaders on human rights, public health, and gender in HIV and TB responses.
According to Dr. Ojukwu, the training aimed to strengthen the capacity of frontline institutions to integrate rights-based, gender-sensitive, and public health-informed approaches into their work. He noted that law enforcement, traditional, and religious leaders are critical in promoting dignity and access to life-saving services, and that gaps in training and coordination have led to human rights violations.
The training, funded by the Global Fund's Grant Cycle 7, equipped participants with practical tools for addressing HIV and TB while protecting human rights. Participants engaged in interactive sessions, case studies, and discussions, and were encouraged to become champions of rights-based, gender-sensitive, and public health-informed practices.
The NHRC reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that human rights are respected and that no one is left behind in Nigeria's HIV and TB responses, acknowledging the support of the Global Fund in strengthening Nigeria's capacity to respond to these epidemics.
