A group in Benue State called the ATM Movement, led by Lawyers Alert (LA) Nigeria and the Media, Health and Rights Initiative of Nigeria (MHR), is calling for gender-focused and fair health services for people affected by HIV, tuberculosis (TB), and malaria.
This group includes women-led organisations that work to improve health outcomes for people suffering from HIV, TB, and malaria.
As part of a project called “Law, Rights and Community Empowerment for Social Change,” the movement held a two-day workshop in Makurdi. During the workshop, organized by LA and MHR, they created policy documents and a plan to ensure health services include everyone — especially people often left out.
Speaking at the event, Solumtochukwu Ozobulu, Legal Advisor with Lawyers Alert, said the group wants the state to create health services that consider the special needs of women, children, vulnerable groups, and people living in camps for displaced persons (IDPs).
She explained that these groups often have different health needs and must be included when the government plans health services. She said the movement had created action plans and policy briefs to guide their advocacy work.
Ozobulu said she believes the documents developed will help Benue become a leading state in inclusive health services, especially for malaria, TB, and HIV.
She added that the group also created a clear roadmap to make sure gender issues are considered in the state’s work plans, budgets, and laws. This will help make healthcare more inclusive for everyone.
She expressed concern over growing insecurity in the state and how this is making more people vulnerable. Many displaced people now live in IDP camps, and she questioned whether the state is doing enough to protect them from diseases like malaria and to care for pregnant women and children in those camps.
Ozobulu also talked about ongoing human rights issues. She mentioned that some people still face discrimination because of HIV or TB, and others wrongly believe malaria is caused by spiritual forces.
She stressed the need for better health insurance access, more nearby treatment centres (like DOTS centres for TB), and stronger services for women and children — the groups most affected by these issues.
MHR is a non-profit that uses media and community programs to teach young women and girls about their sexual and reproductive health and rights, as well as other health issues that affect them.
Mr. Akinola Dabiri from MHR said their goal is to give young women accurate health information so they can make smart choices about their well-being.
He added that MHR is working with Lawyers Alert to use their online platforms — which reach over one million people — to promote the project. They want to spread awareness and push for a rights-based approach to fighting TB, HIV, and malaria.
Dabiri said the aim is to build a strong movement that breaks down barriers, especially those linked to gender, and solves health challenges within communities.
