HIV Prevention & Referral (Gada, Gwadabawa, Tureta)

This project was implemented in three LGAs—Gada, Gwadabawa, and Tureta—with funding support from SOSACAT and the World Bank. The primary objective was to reduce the incidence of HIV by ensuring that vulnerable populations had both awareness and access to essential services such as testing, counselling, and referral pathways to health facilities.

JCDI worked closely with local leaders, health professionals, and civil society groups to implement awareness campaigns tailored to the realities of each community. These campaigns were conducted through radio programs, community theatre, town hall meetings, and outreach activities designed to reach both men and women, especially those in hard-to-reach rural areas.

The referral system was another core component of the project. Community volunteers were trained to identify individuals at risk, encourage them to get tested, and link them to appropriate health services. This not only improved case detection but also reduced the stigma associated with HIV testing, as community members began to see it as a normal health-seeking behavior.

By creating strong linkages between communities and health systems, the project succeeded in bridging the gap between awareness and action. It laid a foundation for long-term HIV control strategies in these LGAs, demonstrating the importance of grassroots engagement in combating public health challenges.