How Nigerian Non-Profit Organizations are rebooting HIV prevention for LGBTIQ+ people

In early 2025, the U.S., through a USAID grant, cut HIV/AIDS funding worldwide. Across Africa, the decision was deeply felt. In Nigeria, it hit non-profits serving key populations, including LGBTIQ+ communities, the hardest. With less funding, many HIV prevention programmes slowed down or stopped.

On 31 October 2025, the Centre for Population Health and Initiatives shared an important update. PrEP tablet prescriptions had restarted at its clinics in Lagos and Rivers State. This marked a key step forward. This long-acting HIV prevention option removes the burden of daily pills and requires injections only once a month. 

When USAID and other funding ended, many programmes stopped. LGBTIQ+ people were left relying mostly on condoms while waiting for services to return. At the 2025 International Conference on AIDS and STIs in Africa (ICASA) in Ghana, Nigerian activists came together for the six-day programme. The theme was “Africa in Action.” It focused on ending AIDS, TB, and malaria.

One attendee, activist Bethel Onyekachi, described the major announcement. “One of my biggest takeaways from ICASA 2025 was news from the Global Fund that could transform the HIV response in Africa,” they said. “We were told that injectable HIV treatment, which will replace daily oral ARVs, is coming. The rollout is expected within six months, and Nigeria is the first country selected.” 

In Nigeria, HIV stigma remains widespread. You see this a lot online. Nigerians often raise it when comparing their situation to South Africa. As a result, many people living with HIV hide their status out of fear and shame. In recent years, groups like Minority Watch Nigeria have pushed back. They speak up for people living with HIV who face discrimination at work.

The upcoming injectable treatment could help reduce stigma and protect privacy. Because it is taken every six months, it limits exposure and reduces frequent clinic visits, which often raise suspicion. 

To understand awareness of PrEP among LGBTIQ+ people in Nigeria, I surveyed a group of people who identify as LGBTIQ+. Nearly 9.8 percent said they had never heard of PrEP. Most of the audience already understood their sexuality. And many were actively looking for safe community spaces.

While most respondents understood how HIV is transmitted, gaps remained. Many knew how HIV spreads but were unfamiliar with PrEP as a prevention tool. 

Most respondents selected “never tried” when asked about PrEP use and skipped follow-up questions. This may point to low interest or distrust. Yet PrEP remains an important extra layer of protection, especially when condoms fail or are not used. 

Animashaun Azeez from Think Positive Live Positive Support Initiative (TLPI) explained that the law plays a big role. Criminalising same-sex relationships creates fear of being exposed or arrested. This makes accessing care much harder.” Azeez said. “This discourages many people from seeking care. Stigma, discrimination, and economic barriers also play a role,” she added. 

In 2026, a woman in Asaba was reportedly arrested for carrying a condom. Azeez’s concern is clear. Carrying PrEP can raise suspicion, causing people to avoid prevention tools altogether.

Many LGBTIQ+ people trust NGOs for HIV information. But concerns about confidentiality still make some hesitant. This distrust may explain why some avoid sexual health services. 

Since programmes restarted, service uptake has increased. Emmanuel Imeh from the Centre for Population and Health Initiative says oral PrEP use has been high. “We are ensuring clients can consistently access it, and we have recorded improved service access,” he said. 

Imeh added that the organization is also focusing on sustainability. This includes projects designed to maintain services during future funding cuts. 

Most survey respondents said their understanding of HIV prevention and treatment has improved. When asked what would encourage them to use PrEP, many cited accessibility.

Many organisations run HIV prevention programmes. However, most services are limited to state capitals and urban areas. Outside Lagos and Abuja, access remains scarce. 

According to UNAIDS, U.S. funding cuts have caused major disruptions to HIV programs in Nigeria. Many organizations have shut down services or shifted focus to other areas. The Federal Executive Council approved ₦4.8 billion to buy 150,000 HIV treatment packs. However, many LGBTIQ+ organisations struggle to access this funding. Clear provisions for LGBTIQ+ Nigerians are often missing. 

Another activist, Emmanuel, reflected on ICASA 2025. “There wasn’t much discussion of new approaches beyond PEP and PrEP,” he said. "There was strong recognition of grassroots activists doing this work. Their role in education and support truly matters. That reinforcement matters.” 

Conclusion 

HIV services are slowly being rebuilt across Nigeria, led largely by non-profit organisations working with LGBTIQ+ communities. The return of PrEP and other prevention services shows what is possible when support is restored.

However, access remains uneven. Most services are still concentrated in cities like Lagos and Abuja, leaving many people outside these centres struggling to reach care. Rising transport costs and stigma continue to limit access, even where services exist.

For Nigeria’s HIV response to be sustainable, stronger support is needed at the federal, state, and local levels. This support must be accessible to LGBTIQ+ people and reinforced by consistent global funding.

HIV in focus

This news story has been published as part of our HIV in focus news network. This is a network of writers and journalists from focus countries, dedicated to delivering news on HIV and sexual health. The network aims to amplify the voices of communities most affected by HIV and share the stories that matter to them.

About the writer

Obinna Tony-Francis Ochem is a freelance writer and journalist who navigates gender, class, sexuality, climate change, and shapeshifting monsters. His works have been published in various outlets, including The Anthropology News, The Polis Project, Openly/Context, Crushing Colonialism and others. He lives in Lagos, Nigeria.