NEPWHAN Holds National CLM Self-Assessment and Stakeholder Review Meeting in Abuja
NEPWHAN, with support from UNAIDS and in partnership with key national stakeholders, convened the National Community-Led Monitoring (CLM) Self-Assessment and Stakeholder Review Meeting from 20–21 November 2025 in Abuja. The two-day engagement brought together representatives from NACA, government agencies, national networks, state CLM teams, community-based organizations (CBOs), and technical partners to evaluate the progress of CLM implementation under the Global Fund Grant Cycle 7 (GC7).
The meeting created a unified platform for stakeholders to collectively review achievements, challenges, and lessons from CLM rollout across all 36 states and the FCT. Participants conducted a structured self-assessment using standardized tools to measure performance in key areas such as coordination, data collection, data quality, gender integration, community engagement, advocacy, and accountability. The assessment exercise helped highlight disparities across states, identify capacity gaps, and refine priorities for the next implementation phase.
State teams shared their field experiences, highlighting persistent issues affecting clients and health facilities, including transportation barriers, stigma and discrimination, service delays, commodity stock-outs, and inconsistent documentation. Several states also shared positive developments, including strengthened referral pathways, improved facility responsiveness, enhanced documentation practices, and successful partnerships with organizations such as UNFPA for the management of GBV and MHPSS cases.
A major highlight of the meeting was the focus on sustainability. Stakeholders discussed the future of CLM beyond donor funding and began drafting elements of a national CLM sustainability roadmap. Key priorities included institutionalizing CLM within national and state HIV frameworks, advocating for government-funded CLM budget lines, strengthening community systems, enhancing digital literacy among CBO volunteers, and integrating CLM data into national health information systems for better visibility and decision-making.
Participants emphasized the need for stronger feedback loops between communities and facilities, improved coordination with state ministries of health, and better alignment between CLM findings and advocacy actions at the state and national levels.
NEPWHAN acknowledges and appreciates the contributions of all participants, partners, and stakeholders whose commitment continues to strengthen community-led accountability, foster transparency, and support improved HIV, TB, and malaria service delivery for all Nigerians.
