Community needs assessment of key populations-at-risk of HIV/AIDS in Nigeria's capital territory

Introduction (aim)

Nigeria currently has one of the highest HIV and AIDS epidemic burden worldwide. Prevalence among key populations is currently, 34.1% (brothel-based sex workers), 21.95 (non-brothel-based), 37.6% (MSMs) and 9.3% for IDUs respectively. A huge gaps exists in the national response to key populations as a result of socio-cultural barriers and unfavorable political and legislative environment. This has become accentuated by the recently enacted anti-gay law. The Federal Capital Administration in collaboration with UNDP and UNFPA in 2013 commissioned a study on key populations in the Capital territory to identify services available to them, the gaps and opportunities for scaling up municipal responses for MSMs, FSWs and IDUs.

Materials and methods

A cross sectional study relying on the needs assessment methodology which included a community social survey, community mapping and focus group discussions. A total of 120 (70 sex workers, 30 MSMs and 20 IDUs) participated in the study. In-depth interviews were conducted for policy makers and technical leads from government agencies, NGOs and development partners. Institutional analysis of relevant NGOs preceded a desk review of the response to key populations in Nigeria and a validation workshop was conducted to validate the findings.

Results

About 17,117 FSWs were mapped in 1004 hotspots, while, 692 MSMs were located in 692 hot spots and 135 IDUs in 16 hotspots in the FCT. About 689 non-governmental organizations were providing services with the majority (40%) providing HCT services, 34 %, condom programming, 20 % peer education and 16%, youth friendly services. None of the NGOs was providing STI services while only 10% provided lubricants. HIV/AIDS risk perception and current knowledge of prevention of sexual transmission was generally low (32%). Social stigma, poor coordination and inadequate government support were identified as major barriers to scaling up services.

Conclusion

The findings support the need for the development of a municipal action plan for key populations in the FCT based on the identified priorities and the review of the national HIV/AIDS strategy to be more responsive to the needs of key populations.