Women HIV education, capacity building and economic empowerment initiative

Abstract

Background The national sentinel survey, 2005 HIV/AIDS prevalence rate in Nigeria is estimated at 4.4%. This shows a reduction from the 2004 prevalence rate of 5.0%. However, the reduction may not be significant in terms of the population of people living with HIV/AIDS. Women have been reported to be the most affected. Women vulnerability to HIV can be attributed to social, economic and cultural factors. HIV prevention initiatives aimed at halting the spread of HIV among women population must integrate an economic empowerment programme if meaningful impact is to be made. It is in this view that Health Matters Incorporated (HMI) implemented a project on Women HIV education, capacity building and economic empowerment initiative in Makoko community in Mainland lga of Lagos state. The goal is to halt the spread of HIV/AIDS through an integrated HIV education, capacity building and economic empowerment programme.