Slum and Rural Health Initiative

HIV, Disability, and Inclusion: Highlights from the Abuja Workshop on Inclusive HIV Education

June 24, 2025

The Slum and Rural Health Initiative (SRHIN) recently hosted an interactive workshop in Abuja, Nigeria, focused on HIV awareness and inclusive education for people living with disabilities. The event was part of our INCLUDE Project, which promotes access to accurate HIV information for all, regardless of ability.

The workshop was held at Grand Cubana Hotel in Abuja, Nigeria the session brought together passionate teachers who work directly with young people living with disabilities (PWDs) across school communities. Participants engaged in practical conversations about HIV, what it is, how it spreads, and how to challenge harmful myths that create stigma or prevent people from getting tested.

A practical demonstration of HIV self-testing kits offered hands-on experience, sparking curiosity and building confidence among the educators.

The workshop also explored strategies for adapting HIV education to meet the needs of people with different types of disabilities. With the support of facilitators, participants formed breakout groups to co-create tools and resources, such as visual aids, simplified language content, and hands-on learning materials. The feedback and collaboration during this session highlighted the importance of designing health programs with input from those most affected.

Role-play sessions allowed participants to practice how to communicate HIV-related information with empathy and clarity, whether in schools, homes, or community settings. The learning environment was filled with honest conversations, shared experiences, and moments of laughter.

We were also honored to welcome representatives from the Department of Special Needs Education, Federal Ministry of Education, Abuja, who shared insights and reaffirmed their support for advancing inclusive education policies across Nigeria.

By the end of the day, the message was clear: people with disabilities must be included in conversations about HIV prevention, testing, and care. This workshop marked an important step toward bridging the gap between disability inclusion and public health education in Nigeria.

Follow our work at SRHIN, share this story with your network, and explore partnership opportunities with the INCLUDE Project. Together, we can make health education accessible for everyone.

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