By Stephen Adeleye
Lokoja, June 13, 2025
As the world commemorates the Day of the African Child, AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Nigeria is marking the occasion by reigniting its Boys2Men program.
The program aims to empower adolescent boys and young men (ABYM) with comprehensive sexuality education, HIV testing, and treatment services.
In a press statement on Friday in Lokoja, AHF Nigeria stated that by addressing the unique needs of ABYM, it could help reduce the disparities in HIV prevention and treatment services.
The statement noted that the Boys2Men program, was launched in 2018 to promote positive masculinity, early testing and treatment initiation, and stigma-free care for ABYM.
According to Dr. Penninah Iutung, AHF Africa Bureau Chief, the program is designed to change the narrative that seeking help is a sign of weakness and to empower young men to take control of their health.
Dr. Echey Ijezie, AHF Nigeria Country Program Director, expressed excitement about revitalizing the program, noting that it will provide ABYM with a structured interface to engage and deal with the challenges they face.
ABYM in Africa continue to be left behind in HIV testing, prevention, and treatment services. Compared to young women, ABYM often start treatment late and have lower adherence, resulting in poorer health outcomes and higher transmission risk.
AHF Nigeria believes that by addressing these gaps, it can help reduce the disparities in HIV prevention and treatment services.
To commemorate the Day of the African Child, AHF Nigeria will host a football match between the AHF boys and the soccer team of the Waru Community, Abuja.
The event presents an opportunity to engage young boys on building positive masculinity and being resilient in the face of multiple environmental factors.
AHF has used the Day of the African Child in previous years to amplify calls for youth-friendly HIV services, comprehensive sexuality education, and stronger public policies addressing gender-based violence and teenage pregnancy.
AHF Nigeria’s reignited Boys2Men program is a step in the right direction towards empowering ABYM and addressing the disparities in HIV prevention and treatment services.
By providing comprehensive sexuality education, HIV testing, and treatment services, AHF Nigeria believes that it can help reduce the risks associated with HIV and promote positive masculinity among young men.
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