Legislation impediment on HIV programming targeting same-sex sexual practicing persons in Nigeria

Legislation impediment on HIV programming targeting same-sex sexual practicing persons in Nigeria

J. Akoro, A. Ipadeola

The Independent Project (TIP) for Equal Rights- Nigeria, Executive Director, Lagos State, Nigeria

Issues: Same-sex sexual practices are criminalized in Nigeria by virtue of Section 214 of the Federal Criminal code, punishable by 14 years imprisonment. In Nigeria today, HIV/AIDS programming targeted at same-sex practicing individuals is limited and faces gross challenges from the law that criminalizes same-sex relationship even when they are between consenting adults.
Description: The Independent Project (TIP) for Equal Rights as an organization with a mandate to advocate for the rights of sexual minorities in Nigeria conducts an assessment of the effectiveness of HIV programming targeting same-sex sexual practicing individuals through HIV prevention programming targeting Men who have sex with Men (MSM) in Lagos and Ibadan. The assessment was conducted through Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and In-depth Interviews (IDI) with the objectives of assessing the response of the MSM community in the respective states, to the provision of services made available to them through the program, accessibility to health care facilities and the impact of the program on their sexual health.
Lessons learned:

    * MSM feel very apprehensive to attend sensitization programs and visit health care facilities.
    * The numbers of MSM who visit the health facilities compare to the numbers reached through peer education is very insignificant.
    * MSM vulnerability to contracting HIV moves beyond the sexual behavior and it is fueled by the societal stigma and discrimination they face.

Next steps:

    * Inclusive HIV/AIDS policies that recognize the need for the protection and respect of the rights of same-sex practicing individuals is pertinent and should be pursued.
    * Decriminalizing consensual sexual intercourse between same-sex persons in private, therefore establishing conducive policy environment for programs targeting same-sex practicing persons.

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