HIV Prevention & Poverty Alleviation (Sokoto North)

In 2007, JCDI embarked on a community-based project in Sokoto North LGA aimed at tackling two deeply interconnected challenges: the spread of HIV and the burden of poverty. The project was funded by the Sokoto State Agency for the Control of AIDS (SOSACAT) and built upon the understanding that reducing poverty is essential to curbing risky behaviors that contribute to the transmission of HIV.

The program began with intensive awareness campaigns conducted through community dialogues, drama presentations, health talks, and media outreach. Residents were educated on HIV transmission, prevention methods, and the importance of voluntary testing and counselling. Stigma reduction was also a critical component, as fear and misinformation often prevent individuals from seeking help or disclosing their status.

Beyond awareness, the project introduced small-scale poverty alleviation initiatives, recognizing that economic hardship is a driving factor behind transactional sex, migration, and other practices that increase vulnerability to HIV. By linking communities with opportunities for skill acquisition, microbusiness development, and vocational training, JCDI addressed both the health and economic dimensions of vulnerability.

The project highlighted the importance of integrated approaches to health promotion. By combining HIV prevention with poverty reduction strategies, JCDI was able to promote healthier, more resilient communities. Although implemented more than a decade ago, the lessons learned from this project continue to inform JCDI’s ongoing interventions in health and social protection.