Written by Bernard Otu Assim-ita
On October 09 and 10, Education as a Vaccine (EVA) hosted a two-day dialogue in Abuja with support from the ENDA Santé to reflect on how Nigeria can build a more sustainable HIV ecosystem at a time when donor funding is shifting. The engagement brought together civil society partners, youth networks, people living with HIV, faith-based actors and government representatives to examine what integration means in practice and how community-led organisations can continue playing a central role in Nigeria’s HIV response.
Oluwatoyin Chukwudozie, Executive Director, EVA opened the discussion by highlighting the realities facing young people and communities who rely on HIV services as she said—“The response has benefited greatly from international support, but we are at a point where Nigeria must strengthen its own systems so that essential services continue without interruption. Integration allows us to build something that lasts.”
Participants reflected on their different experiences working in communities and spoke about the strengths of existing models that combine HIV services with primary healthcare, sexual and reproductive health outreach and psychosocial support. Many shared examples of how community-led programs—some youth-driven, some faith-supported, some run by networks of people living with HIV have made care more approachable and trustworthy for adolescents and young adults. These stories reinforced the importance of ensuring that integration preserves the accessibility and person-centered approach that communities have already built.
The conversations moved gradually toward practical solutions. Working groups explored how Nigeria could develop a clearer framework for integration that supports both government structures and community organisations. They discussed sustainable financing options that could help local organisations maintain their work, including models that allow governments to contract CSOs directly for community services. Participants also identified gaps in coordination and data use that would need attention in the next phase of the integration process.
While the dialogue involved technical themes, the atmosphere remained grounded in the shared understanding that integration affects real people and everyday health journeys. One participant explained it simply: “Community organisations are often the first place young people turn to. If we talk about integration, we must talk about strengthening, not replacing, the spaces that young people trust.”
By the end of the convening, partners had outlined key elements for a national integration roadmap, including models that could be scaled, roles and responsibilities for stakeholders and initial steps toward sustainable financing. The meeting also reaffirmed the value of bringing diverse voices together, especially young people whose experiences often shape where and how services should evolve.
For EVA, this engagement reflects our ongoing commitment to ensuring that young people and communities most affected by HIV are not sidelined in national conversations about health system reform. It also highlights our growing leadership role in shaping policies and approaches that support community-led solutions.
As the country continues its journey toward a more integrated and resilient HIV response, EVA will remain actively involved in documenting promising practices, convening partners and pushing for approaches that uphold dignity, access and meaningful participation. The October dialogue affirmed that progress is achievable when institutions and communities work together with a shared understanding of what a sustainable future should look like.