By Brenda Chidinma Imo-Eze
The Daughters of Virtue and Empowerment Initiative (DOVENET), in partnership with Jhpiego and the National AIDS, Viral Hepatitis and STIs Control Programme (NASCP), through Global Funded Advancing Integrated SRHR-CD Project has reached 33,629 people with health awareness messages across three Local Government Areas of Ebonyi State.
The Programme Manager of DOVENET, Igwe Magnus, disclosed this while speaking with journalists on the activities and achievements of the Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights–Community Development (SEHR-CD) project in the state.
Magnus said the project, which began in February and is winding up in October 2026, is being implemented in 15 communities across Ebonyi’s three senatorial zones, covering Afikpo North, Ebonyi and Ezza South Local Government Areas.
He said the programme targeted adolescents, young people, women of childbearing age, caregivers and other community members.
According to him, out of the 33,629 people reached with Social and Behaviour Change (SBC) messages, 14,487 were young people between the ages of 10 and 24 who received information on sexual and reproductive health.
He added that 29,655 people were reached with cervical cancer sensitisation messages, while 949 people were referred or linked to health services.
The project also recorded 205 activities led by Community-based structures, showing community ownership.
The intervention was carried out through selected health centres, including Abofia, Nnodo, Oguzoronweya and Okaria health centres in Ebonyi Local Government Area; Amaezekwe, Amuzu, Ezzama, Okoffia and Acharaugwu PHC in Ezza South; and Poperi, Amachara, Nkagbogo, Unwana and Ugwuegu PHCs in Afikpo North.
Also speaking on the achievements of the project, DOVENET Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Mr. Peter Ewa stressed that through the implementation of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights at the community level, there was the establishment of youth-friendly corners in health facilities, providing safe spaces where young people could discuss their concerns and receive information and services privately and respectfully.
He said the adolescent-focused messages also encouraged more young people to visit health centres for services.
However, he identified stigma surrounding adolescent sexual and reproductive health as one of the major challenges faced during the programme.
According to him, deep-rooted cultural beliefs, social taboos and fear of public judgment made some young people hesitant to seek services such as contraception at health facilities.
He also noted that shortages of HIV testing kits and medicines used for HIV prevention, including PrEP and PEP, were observed during the facility supportive supervisory visits.
Mr Ewa said the shortages sometimes forced clients to seek services elsewhere, resulting in some people dropping out before completing the referral process.
Earlier, the Executive Director of DOVENET, Mrs. Ugo Nnachi, thanked journalists for their partnership and support in helping to drive awareness about the campaign and take the project’s messages to more people across the state, she assured them of continual Partnership.
As the project winds up in October, Nnachi expresses appreciation to the media and other stakeholders who contributed to the success of the intervention.