To mark the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) with the theme, “Unite! Invest to Prevent Violence against Women and Girls”, the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) has sensitized students and communities on the need to prevent and report gender-based violence.
In Abuja, IHVN visited Government Day Secondary School (GDSS) Karu to increase awareness about creating a safe environment for students.
IHVN Senior Program Officer Prevention Care and Treatment, Mrs. Derby Collins-Kalu said, “Students are sometimes not only the victims but also the perpetrators. Safety is the responsibility of all and is a human right. Every student must endeavor to stay safe, avoid going to places where their safety is not guaranteed, and keep away from bad influence. Students should also report any unfair treatment, any suspected act of stalking, grooming, sexual harassment, or sexual and emotional violence.”
GDSS Karu Social Prefect, Okoro Rejoice, who participated in the sensitization activity said that she will advocate for the prevention of GBV. “I’ve learned the different types of violence, how to identify red flags and to report any case of gender-based violence (GBV).” I can tell other students who were not here what I’ve learned to prevent gender-based violence (GBV).”
In Katsina State and Rivers State, students of Government Girls Day Secondary School Daura and Community Secondary School Rukpuokwu, Portharcourt also received sensitization about preventing GBV.
IHVN Senior Program Officer Prevention Care and Treatment, Mrs. Derby Collins-Kalu sensitizing students about Gender-Based Violence in AbujaStudents of Government Day Secondary School (GDSS) Karu participate in a GBV awareness activity in commemoration of 16 Days of Activism against GBV.
To mark the World AIDS Day 2023, the Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria (IHVN) has urged communities to join efforts to end AIDS by 2023.
At a sensitization campaign in Government Secondary School Garki, in the FCT, IHVN FCT Regional Manager, Dr. Danjuma Sanda said that, “Collaboration is key as we strive to reach hard-to-reach communities. Testing is crucial; it’s an opportunity for everyone to know their HIV status. Remember, HIV is not a death sentence; we have life-saving antiretroviral medication. Everyone should get involved to create awareness about this disease that is ravaging our communities. Let us tackle this challenge together.”
GSS Garki Principal, Mr. Sadeeq Ayo Ochiji, thanked the Institute for the sensitization activity and packages given to the students.
“It is wonderful that you have looked outside the box and have reached out to community leaders like me to play my own role in the goal to end AIDS because I am a community leader here in this school.”
Before the school sensitization program in Abuja, IHVN participated in a press conference and road walk organized by the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) to create awareness about HIV and the importance of getting tested for HIV.
In Nasarawa State, Katsina State and Rivers State, IHVN commemorated the day with a call to communities to shun stigmatization, utilize HIV services and take action to end HIV through road walks with stakeholders and community outreaches providing free HIV testing services.
IHVN Staff distributing packs to students at a sensitization campaign held at Government Secondary School Garki to commemorate World AIDS Day 2023IHVN FCT Regional Manager, Dr Danjuma Sanda addressing the press at a World AIDS Day 2023 HIV testing activity in Old Parade Ground
As Nigeria joins the world to commemorate World AIDS Day 2023 with the theme, “Communities: Leadership to End AIDS by 2030”, the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) has collaborated with the Association of Positive Youths in Nigeria (APYIN) to sensitize Gbazango community on HIV and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) prevention in their community.
The sensitization activity started with a road walk from the NYSC junction in Kubwa Abuja to the Gbazango Chief Palace where community members gathered to participate in an interactive session on HIV and GBV.
IHVN Senior Program Officer Prevention, Care and Treatment, Ms. Ngozi Elema urged the community to spread the word about HIV prevention to others. “There are new approaches to HIV prevention such as the use of self-test kits for HIV testing. People don’t need to be ashamed to get tested for HIV. People living with HIV can access treatment and live well. Women living with HIV can have HIV-free babies. They should not be stigmatized.”
Gbazango Youth Leader, Mr. Musa Jagaba said that the program has enlightened more youths about curbing the spread of the disease. “There is this stigma that comes with having HIV but with better understanding, community members can realize that HIV is not a death sentence and should treat people living with HIV well. I have told them to contact us in the palace for more information on how to link people living with HIV with the necessary care, treatment, and prevention of GBV. Some of them do not know that they can be protected from gender-based violence.”
APYIN FCT Coordinator, Mrs. Victoria Abah noted that “research has shown that young girls are more vulnerable to GBV especially in rape, early marriage, emotional and physical abuse. We don’t just want to speak about HIV prevention but about gender-based violence because GBV is part of stigma. We call women to speak up. Don’t die in silence when experiencing GBV.”
A cross-section of Gbazango community members at the sensitization activity organized by IHVN and APYIN to mark World AIDS Day 2023IHVN Staff participating in a road walk to sensitize the Gbazango community on HIV and Gender-based Violence
Request for Proposal: Consultant to Conduct Feasibility Study on Food Security and Resilience Strengthening.
The Institute of Human Virology (IHVN) is a leading and reputable non-governmental organization addressing infectious and non-infectious diseases such as HIV, tuberculosis, and cancer through the provision of prevention, diagnosis, treatment, capacity building, research, and care and support services. IHVN is in partnership with local and international organizations and the different tiers of the government of Nigeria at national, state and local levels. The Institute’s vision is to be a leader in providing quality health services, capacity building and research in West Africa and beyond.
To improve the well-being of vulnerable households and to establish a solid foundation for a project proposal and implementation for a BMZ application, IHVN is calling for tenders to conduct a feasibility study on “Food security and resilience strengthening for vulnerable groups through multi-sectoral services in response to high birth rate, malaria prevalence, and agricultural potential.”
Terms of Reference
Background
High birth rates result in rapid population growth, causing a strain on available resources, especially in low and middle-income countries like Nigeria (36.026 births per 1000 people), increasing public expenditure needed to provide sufficiently for the population. Poverty, malnutrition, illness, and death are consequences of high population growth, especially among the vulnerable population. Illnesses such as malaria are prevalent in these poor countries located mostly in the tropics (51,000,000 cases in Nigeria annually). Young children, pregnant and breast-feeding women are vulnerable due to reduced immunity. The cost of treating malaria imposes a further economic burden on already impoverished families. However, families can be empowered to be resilient by harnessing available natural resources, such as agricultural potential currently at 40% in Africa, to improve food security (especially in Nigeria, with 17 million people currently at risk of food insecurity) and economically strengthen the ability to cater for the family needs including preventing and treating illnesses, reducing malnutrition and death, especially among the vulnerable population.
Nigeria with a population growth rate of 2.38% and a fertility rate of 5.1 births per woman is experiencing rapid population growth (Statista, 2023). Nigeria is unable to harness its large population to achieve its developmental goals as about 60% are dependent below the age of 25 with 40% of the population supposedly, the working age group left to cater for the vulnerable group (UNICEF,2022). The results are plethora of developmental challenges including income inequality, inadequate access to basic services, and persistent poverty in some regions unemployment, lack of food, inadequate health care facilities to cater for the massive population, poor housing, increase in endemic illnesses such as malaria due to poor living conditions and generalized poverty/poor standard of living.
In line with the WHO technical frameworks, interventions such as the National Malaria Elimination Program (NMEP), the National Malaria Strategic Plan and Nigeria End Malaria Council were developed to end the malaria scourge (FMoH, 2022). These programs have supported and promoted various strategies for malaria prevention and elimination. The Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development also coordinates programming for orphans and vulnerable children. However, these interventions have not sufficiently provided relief for the vulnerable population.
This project aims to improve the overall well-being of vulnerable households through food security, Malaria prevention, and Integrating SRH/FP among vulnerable households. It also aims to promote the empowerment of vulnerable households by increasing their agricultural potential, especially the most vulnerable. IHVN will partner with other Government and Non-Governmental actors collaboratively on the project, with each actor contributing their unique skills and resources in a sustainable manner.
Overall Objective– Improving overall well-being of vulnerable households through Food security, Malaria prevention and Integrating SRH/FP among the vulnerable population in 20 facilities and 40 communities in FCT, Nasarawa, Katsina and Rivers.
Role
The consultant will conduct the study in conjunction with the relevant stakeholders at the communities and facilities. A desk and mixed methods study will be conducted using semi-structured questionnaires, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. IHVN will provide relevant support and technical assistance in the course of conducting the feasibility study.
Scope of Work
The primary focus of the study is to determine if the proposed interventions would achieve the desired project outcomes.
The feasibility study (max. 20 pages) should cover:
Support in setting of realistic objectives
Present the context of the planned project at all relevant levels (micro-, meso-, macro-) and also include essential, project-relevant data on the initial situation.
Feasibility of activities
Analyze to what extent the selected approach can contribute to solving the problem situation among the target groups and other actors. Furthermore, the project should be critically evaluated with regard to the OECD DAC1 criteria of relevance, coherence, effectiveness, efficiency, impact and sustainability.
Concrete recommendations for adjustments to the specific project concept, including impact matrix and measures, should be formulated as far as possible. The actors and stakeholders to be involved, suggestions for monitoring fields of outcome and impact measurement as well as opportunities and risks must be taken into account.
Concrete recommendations for areas of capacity building within the project implementation
Methodology
The project concept note will be analyzed, and the study report will consist of
Findings of the quantitative analysis from community, facility, and governmental stakeholders.
Qualitative analysis of the focus group discussions of selected stakeholders
Process and tentative timelines
Milestones/meetings
Deadline/Time span
Call for Tender to Potential Consultants with Request for Proposal.
05-12-2023 to 18-12-2023
Selection and Contracting
18-12-2023 to 21-12-2023
Start of Consultancy
27-12-2023
Kick-off with (clarifying open questions, confirming suggested work plan)
28-12-2023
Preparation of the Study (including desk study, mixed methods study and preparation of the report).
03-01-2023 to 17-01-2024
Short Progress Report and Update Meeting
22-01-2024
Finalizing and Submission of Report
Closing Date 29-011-2024
Outputs and Deliverables
The feasibility study should not exceed 20 pages (excluding additional data material) and be written in English.
It should contain the following chapters:
Purpose, objectives and use of the feasibility study
Methodology
Initial situation and problem analysis (at community, local government, and state level)
Project executing agency in the partner country (Local Executing Agency)
Target groups and other actors (at community, local government, and State level)
Expert Profile of the Feasibility Study Characteristics of the Expert:
Independently working from all project stakeholders.
An expert with respective country expertise.
Has to be fluent in written and spoken English.
A professional, result-orientated, provides well-structured, critical assessment of the study context/focus.
Ability to use concise language in highlighting important findings.
Has excellent communication skills.
Has substantial working experience.
Willingness to work within established timelines.
Technical expertise in:
Food Security
Working with vulnerable populations
Malaria programs
Sexual Reproductive Health programs
Analytic research skills
Proposal writing/conducting feasibility studies for projects by the not-for profit sector.
Using different methods of social science (focused interviews, questionnaires)
Experiences with the multi-actor partnership approach are an asset.
Interested applicants are encouraged to submit their offer including:
Expression of Interest
CV including references to prove the required substantial work experience (see “expert profile”)
A Financial Offer (separate disclosure of applicable taxes)
Short description (max. 1 page) of the methodology and approach of implementing planned feasibility study.
Note:
The contract will be awarded to the most economically advantageous tender, i.e. the tender offering the best price-quality ratio. The evaluation of offers will be based on: 60% required work experience, 25% price, 15% proposed methodology.
The total cost of the feasibility study is not to exceed 0.95% of the proposed project budget.
The deadline for applying is 18th December 2023 by 23:59 GMT+1 and offers should be sent to: [email protected]. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
References
Statista, 2023. Population growth in Nigeria from 2012 to 2022
UNICEF, 2022. Situation Analysis of Children in Nigeria. Ensuring equitable and sustainable realization of child rights in Nigeria
The Institute of Human Virology (IHVN) is a leading and reputable non-governmental organization addressing infectious and non-infectious diseases such as HIV, tuberculosis, and cancer through the provision of prevention, diagnosis, treatment, capacity building, research, and care and support services. IHVN is in partnership with local and international organizations and the different tiers of the government of Nigeria at national, state and local levels. The Institute’s vision is to be a leader in providing quality health services, capacity building and research in West Africa and beyond.
The Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria (IHVN), through funding from The Global Fund (GF), will be implementing the Grant Cycle 7 (GC7) grant, a combined TB &HIV effort pivotal to transforming TB & HIV programs. Under the leadership and coordination of the National AIDS and STDs Control Programme (NASCP), the National TB and Leprosy Control Programme (NTBLCP), and the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), this project will increase the identification of all forms of TB cases in the community and ensure prompt access to high-quality, patient-centred prevention and treatment through a Nationwide coverage of TB Public-Private Mix active TB case finding effort, and Community TB testing. The HIV component of the grant will focus on four states (Ebonyi, Anambra, Kwara, and Gombe) for end-to-end HIV comprehensive services, community PMTCT scale-up in all states, PrEP in the four GF-supported states and in other states where PEPFAR IPs will be operating, and support harm reduction program (specifically needles and syringes) in 12 states. Other focus areas include Health Systems Strengthening/Resilient and Sustainable Systems for Health (RSSH) and National level support activities.
To further uphold our commitment to providing excellent services in the sector, we are recruiting to fill the below-listed position:
Position
Senior Program Officer, Prevention, Care & Treatment
Employment Type
Full Time
Location
Central Office/HQ (Abuja), Plateau, FCT, Delta
Scheduled Work Time
Monday – Friday (Flexibility, willing to travel and work weekends)
Reports To
HIV Lead
Operational Contacts
TB Lead, Program Management Team, Project Director.
Under the supervision of the Project Director, GF-GC7 Grant, the SPO will collaborate closely with Sub-Recipients, NASCP, and other relevant stakeholders to provide technical oversight of the Sub-Recipients’ day-to-day implementation of all HIV prevention, care, and treatment strategies toward achieving the UNAIDS (95-95-95) targets and providing guidance for program implementation according to the National Treatment Guidelines and policies.
Responsibilities:
Provide technical assistance to health care providers and sub-recipients to render effective and efficient quality of care to People Living with HIV (PLHIV)
Mentor healthcare providers to improve and maintain the standard of care through ongoing performance assessment and feedback.
Provide technical support for effective and efficient HIV/TB prevention and treatment services.
Build the capacity of healthcare providers for effective referrals and linkages.
Plan and review activities with sub-recipients, state and site staff, as well as other stakeholders in the state
Ensure TB/HIV collaborative activities are happening at facility and State levels.
Conduct quarterly supportive supervision to ensure quality program implementation and technical guidance as may be necessary.
Support the State TB/HIV program to create awareness and demand for TB services.
Organize and conduct regular visits to health facilities to ensure timely data collection, compilation, and reporting.
Support the State HIV Program on routine data analysis and utilization.
Participate in the donor progress report writing, continuation application, quarterly review report writing, and presentation.
Ensure project reports are developed and submitted on time, are of good quality, and that the evidence they contain is accurately captured and submitted monthly.
Collaborate with relevant stakeholders – Government of Nigeria, Global Fund, US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), and other Implementing Partners and ensure representation at high-level meetings.
Required competencies.
Core requirements:
Good communication (oral and written) and facilitation skills with proficiency in computer programming – Word processing, spreadsheet, presentation skills, and video conferencing are required.
Proficiency in data analysis and good inter and intrapersonal communication skills.
Proficiency in program narrative and proposal writing.
Ability to work under pressure to meet organizational targets/goals.
Ability to evaluate data and prepare quality reports, often under pressure and in complex situations.
Being goal-oriented with the ability to plan and organize, make decisions, manage time, and practice critical thinking.
Good interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively in a team.
High impact influencing and persuasive skills, and able to represent the organization to donors and other stakeholders.
Education and Experience:
Academic training
Must possess a bachelor’s degree in medicine or nursing. Master’s level/Postgraduate qualification in Public Health, Epidemiology or a relevant field is an added advantage.
At least four years of experience working with the HIV/TB programs at various levels, planning and managing projects.
Experience in building capacity at individual and organizational levels.
Excellent personal communication skills in written and verbal English,
Fundamental skills in project planning, design, implementation, and monitoring.
Ability to work independently and deliver quality work on time.
Good interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively in a team.
Ability to deliver under pressure with minimal guidance.
Ability to meet deadlines according to lead-down rules.
Stakeholder collaboration skills and ability to appropriately represent the organization by engaging with stakeholders.
Good experience using Ms. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and applicable software related to the position.
Equal employment opportunity statement:
IHVN is an equal employment employer. We do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on religion, gender, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, genetic information, or any other status or characteristic protected under applicable laws.
Mode of Application:
Please submit your application letter and detailed curriculum vitae as one Microsoft Word document with the position applied for and locationwell captured as the subject of the email to the Assistant Director, Human Resources, through this email address: [email protected].
