The Katsina State Agency for the Control of AIDS (KATSACA) has concluded a five-day stakeholders’ meeting aimed at strengthening gender equality, protecting human rights, and reducing HIV-related stigma and discrimination across the state.
The meeting was organized by KATSACA in collaboration with the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), with support from the Global Fund (GF). It brought together representatives of government ministries, departments and agencies, development partners, the media, security institutions, academic institutions, and community-based organizations at Alhujurat Royal Suites, GRA, Katsina.
According to the organizers, the engagement focused on strengthening the Gender and Human Rights State Response Team (GHR-SRT) and assessing the state’s readiness to address stigma, discrimination, and other barriers affecting access to HIV-related services, particularly for vulnerable and underserved groups.
KATSACA explained that the initiative is part of NACA’s nationwide multisectoral strategy to improve access to HIV prevention, treatment, and support services. Under the programme, Gender and Human Rights State Response Teams have been established across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to promote gender equality, protect human rights, and improve the overall HIV response.
The agency also noted that NACA introduced the Gender and Human Rights Self-Assessment Tool (GHR-SAT) in November 2025 to help states measure progress, identify operational gaps, strengthen accountability, and improve programme implementation. The tool is also expected to enhance coordination among government institutions, civil society organizations, implementing partners, and other stakeholders.
Speaking at the closing session, the Executive Secretary of KATSACA, Dr. Bala Nuhu Kankia, expressed appreciation to NACA and the Global Fund for supporting the programme. He said the initiative would strengthen efforts to address gender and human rights issues while reducing HIV-related stigma and discrimination in Katsina State.
Dr. Kankia reaffirmed the Katsina State Government’s commitment to working with partners to improve access to HIV services and advance the goal of eliminating new HIV infections in the state through sustained collaboration, public awareness, and inclusive health interventions.