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about us

Network of People Living with HIV and AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN) was established in 1998 as a non-governmental organization to serve as a collective voice of PLHIV in the Country.

2009-2012 Management Board Members
Thus, NEPWHAN was saddled with the responsibility of coordinating, supervising and monitoring the programs and activities of support groups of People Living with HIV/AID in Nigeria. The organization is registered with Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in Nigeria since September 2004 as a charity, non-profit and non-governmental organization. The network since 1998 has established structures at the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria (North East, North West, North Central, South West, South East and South South). NEPWHAN has established State Networks in the whole of 36 States including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and as well coordinate the affairs of 650- Support groups’ membership across the Federation.

NEPWHAN GOAL

To advocate for the rights of Persons living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria and seek to put in place comprehensive HIV and AIDS prevention, treatment, care and support services.

our vision

A country where Persons living with HIV/AIDS are given equal rights and privileges like every other member of the society.

Our Mission Statement

To empower, strengthen and coordinate all support groups, state networks, constituencies, associations and organizati ons of people living with HIV and AIDS in Nigeria to contribute meaningfully to the national response.

our membership

Membership of NEPWHAN is open to members of support groups of Persons Living with HIV and AIDS in Nigeria. Registration of support groups with the Network shall be made through the respective state offices of the Network.

HONOURARY MEMBERSHIP

  • Individuals and organizations can be admitted as honorary members of NEPWHAN, provided that their core mission and values are in alignment with those of NEPWHAN, and they have demonstrated verifiable commitment to the advancement of People Living with HIV and AIDS in Nigeria. In addition, the NEPWHAN management board must by simple majority endorse the proposed admission, for it to have effect.
  • Honorary members may be invited to be part of Local Organizing Committee for NEPWHAN Delegate forum
  • Honorary members are non-voting members and are not imbued with any electoral capacity. However, honorary members have the privilege to participate at NEPWHAN Delegate forum at their own expense to contribute their technical skills to the development of NEPWHAN constitutional review process and other capacity building areas.

constituency profile

Considering the need for addressing the specific needs and challenges of young people and the importance of women in the national response and to meaningfully engage the religious leaders in addressing stigmatization and discrimination at all levels; NEPWHAN with support of UNAIDS, USAID, Christian Aid Uk among others, established three constituent bodies as follows;

  • 1) Association of Youth Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (APYIN), NEPWHAN organized the 1st National Positive Youth Forum at Tropical Royal Hotel in Kano State in June 2005, this forum gave birth to the existence of APYIN. Since then, APYIN has been championing the cause of positive youth living with and affected by AIDS in Nigeria. See more www.apyin.net
  • 2) Association of Women Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (ASWHAN) with support from UNIFEM, UNAIDS, Christian Aid UK, Action Aid International and Young Women Christian Association of Nigeria (YWCA) supported NEPWHAN to establish ASWHAN in 2005.
  • 3) Association of Religious Leaders Living with and Personally Affected by HIV/AIDS (NINERELA+) with the support of International Network of Religious Leaders living with or personally affected by HIV (INERELA+), Christian Aid Uk in 2005. See more at www.ninerela.net

the objectives of NEPWHAN:

  • a) To encourage formation of new, and strengthen existing Support Groups of People Living with HIV and AIDS for the purpose of exchanging ideas and sharing experiences on their common problems

    b) To empower Persons living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria with adequate knowledge and skills to deal with the HIV and AIDS pandemic.

    c) To advocate for the protection of basic human rights of Persons living with HIV/AIDS as provided for in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    d) To solicit support for and empowerment for support groups, Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) and PLHIV’S generally.

    e) To ensure representation of and meaningful involvement of PLHIV in relevant forums and AIDS Programmes locally and internationally.

    f) To advocate for biomedical and social research to HIV and AIDS response to conform to international best practices.

    g) To strengthen cooperation and collaborate with Nigerian government and other relevant stakeholders in the Treatment, Prevention and control of HIV and AIDS as well as care and support of PLHIV.