OUR HISTORY

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Community engagement with members and mentor mothers in Maiduguri, Borno State.

The Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN) serves as the central coordinating body for support groups of People Living with HIV (PLHIV) across the country. While NEPWHAN does not directly implement programmes, it provides guidance, coordination, and capacity strengthening to its member support groups to ensure they effectively deliver on their missions. The Network also plays a key role in mobilizing PLHIV, building their leadership capacities, and organizing them into functional support groups, thereby expanding and strengthening its national presence.

Nigeria officially recognized HIV in 1986, when the first case was announced. As seen globally in the early years of the epidemic, the emergence of HIV in Nigeria was accompanied by intense fear, stigma, discrimination, and social rejection. Many PLHIV concealed their status, and even when gravely ill, their conditions were often attributed to other diseases such as tuberculosis. During this period, government response was minimal, and political hesitation hindered decisive action. Most of the early interventions came from non-governmental organizations, faith-based groups, and international partners, though their activities were limited by the national context at the time.

Despite the growing need, NEPWHAN initially faced significant challenges, including limited capacity and inadequate infrastructure. By the year 2000, it became clear that the Network needed revitalization. PLHIV representatives from across the country convened to develop a renewed vision and leadership structure. This process led to the formation of a new executive body and the articulation of a stronger mission and goal.

NEPWHAN’s mission was defined as:

“To empower, strengthen, and coordinate all support groups, state networks, constituencies, associations, and organizations of People Living with HIV and AIDS in Nigeria to contribute meaningfully to the national response.”

Its overarching goal is:

“To advocate for the rights of PLHIV in Nigeria and to promote comprehensive HIV and AIDS prevention, care, and support services.”

About Us

Organizational Profile

NEPWHAN is the recognized national coordinating body for all support groups of People Living with HIV (PLHIV) in Nigeria. With representation in all 36 states and the FCT, NEPWHAN has over 1000 functional support groups and over 300,000 members. The organization champions community-led advocacy, health systems engagement, and the protection of the human rights of PLHIV.
As a grassroots-driven network, NEPWHAN integrates voices from the community level into national HIV/AIDS policy, program design, and implementation processes. NEPWHAN also facilitates capacity building, leadership development, and access to care and support services for its members.

Vision Statement

A Nigeria where all People Living with HIV (PLHIV) live healthy, dignified, and productive lives, free from stigma and discrimination.

Testimonials