In a bold step toward digital inclusion and youth-led health advocacy, NEPWHAN is equipping young people with the skills to use technology for HIV prevention, awareness, and service delivery. The recent Training of Trainers (ToT) in Kwara State marks a milestone in strengthening digital capacity and amplifying youth voices in Nigeria’s HIV response.

To strengthen HIV prevention, communication, and service delivery among young people, the Network of People Living with HIV and AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN) organized a three-day Training of Trainers (ToT) on Real-Time Digital Tools for AYP-Related Service Mapping and Data Collection.

Held from April 14 to 16, 2025, in Ilorin, Kwara State, the training aimed to enhance the digital literacy and advocacy capacity of Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW) Champions and Community Testers, equipping them with innovative tools for data-driven decision-making and social impact.

Bridging the Digital Gap in HIV Communication

Adolescents and young people—especially in areas with high HIV incidence—continue to face barriers to prevention, testing, and treatment services. Recognizing this, NEPWHAN designed the training to empower 25 participants per state, drawn from youth-led and community-based organizations, with practical skills to use digital platforms for real-time service mapping, data collection, and online advocacy.

Training Highlights

Facilitated by Mr. Chris, the sessions blended theory with intensive hands-on practice. Participants explored user-friendly digital applications such as CapCut and Canva, mastering techniques for developing compelling advocacy materials and short videos that promote HIV prevention and awareness among adolescents.

The training covered:

  • Video editing and storytelling – including voice-overs, captions, transitions, and visual effects.
  • Creative communication – crafting impactful social media content under the theme “HIV & Youth: Busting Myths.”
  • Collaborative learning – using peer feedback and group projects to refine advocacy messages.
  • Advanced editing skills – applying keyframes, voice enhancement, and background music to elevate production quality.

Key Achievements

The ToT significantly boosted participants’ confidence and technical competence in digital content creation. Group-based learning fostered collaboration, creativity, and innovation, resulting in several completed advocacy videos adaptable for local and online HIV awareness campaigns.
These outputs not only demonstrated the participants’ new skills but also strengthened NEPWHAN’s commitment to youth-led, digital-first HIV communication.

Challenges and Recommendations

Minor logistical challenges, such as late arrivals, were managed effectively by adjusting the training schedule. Participants highlighted the need for:

  • Continuous mentorship and refresher sessions to sustain newly acquired skills.
  • Budgetary provision for premium digital tools like Canva Pro and CapCut Pro to maintain content quality.
  • Continued institutional support from NEPWHAN and partners to scale youth-led digital advocacy initiatives.

Next Steps

NEPWHAN will continue to mentor participants as they cascade the training to their communities, ensuring broader youth engagement in HIV prevention and service uptake. Participants also committed to maintaining active social media presence, producing creative advocacy content, and leveraging real-time data to improve linkages to HIV services for adolescents and young people.