Strengthening Capacity, Saving Lives: OCDI Team Completes National HIV Prevention Training in Abuja

What does it take to prevent the next HIV infection? Sometimes, it begins with equipping the people on the frontlines with the right knowledge, tools, and skills. Olive Community Development Initiative (OCDI) recently participated in the Minimum Prevention Package of Interventions (MPPI) Training of Trainers held in Abuja, alongside the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), the National AIDS and STIs Control Programme (NASCP), and State AIDS Control Agencies from Anambra, Ebonyi, Gombe, and Kwara States. The four-day training was designed to strengthen the capacity of implementing partners and government stakeholders to deliver comprehensive, evidence-based HIV prevention services that respond to the realities of communities most affected by the epidemic. Throughout the training, participants explored Nigeria's HIV epidemic landscape and gained deeper insights into targeted prevention strategies for adolescent girls and young women, female sex workers, and other key populations. Sessions covered comprehensive HIV prevention approaches, including HIV Testing Services, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), prevention of mother-to-child transmission, sexually transmitted infection and tuberculosis screening, behavioural interventions, gender-responsive programming, and structural approaches that address the social factors driving HIV vulnerability. The training also strengthened participants' facilitation, microteaching, and monitoring and evaluation skills, equipping them to transfer knowledge effectively to community testers, peer educators, and outreach teams while ensuring high-quality service delivery and accurate programme reporting. For OCDI, the training represents more than professional development. It is an investment in stronger systems, better service delivery, and healthier communities. The knowledge and skills gained will directly enhance the organisation's implementation of the N-THRIP Project (Global Fund GC7 Award), supporting the delivery of HIV testing services, PrEP initiation, sexually transmitted infection treatment, and comprehensive prevention services for female sex workers across Kwara State. As OCDI continues to work alongside government and development partners, the organisation remains committed to expanding access to quality, people-centred HIV prevention services and contributing to Nigeria's goal of ending HIV as a public health threat. We extend our sincere appreciation to the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, the National Agency for the Control of AIDS, the National AIDS and STIs Control Programme, and all partners whose continued investment in capacity strengthening is helping to build a more resilient and effective HIV response across the country.