The Daughters of Virtue and Empowerment Initiative has reached 33,629 people in Ebonyi State with sexual and reproductive health messages, while linking 949 others to healthcare services under an eight-month intervention.
The intervention, implemented in partnership with Jhpiego and the National AIDS, Viral Hepatitis and STIs Control Programme through the Global Fund-supported Advancing Integrated Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights–Community Development project, covered 15 communities across Afikpo North, Ebonyi and Ezza South Local Government Areas.
DOVENET Programme Manager, Igwe Magnus, disclosed this while briefing journalists on the activities and outcomes of the project, which commenced in February and is expected to wind down in October 2026.
Magnus said the intervention targeted adolescents, young people, women of childbearing age, caregivers and other community members through Social and Behaviour Change activities designed to improve health knowledge and encourage appropriate health-seeking behaviour.
He said 14,487 of those reached were young people aged between 10 and 24, who received information on sexual and reproductive health and rights.
He added that 29,655 people were reached with cervical cancer sensitisation messages, while 949 beneficiaries were referred or linked to health facilities for appropriate services.
The programme also recorded 205 activities led by community-based structures, a development Magnus said reflected growing community participation and ownership.
The intervention was delivered through selected health facilities in the three local government areas, including Abofia, Nnodo, Oguzoronweya and Okaria health centres in Ebonyi LGA; Amaezekwe, Amuzu, Ezzama, Okoffia and Acharaugwu Primary Health Centres in Ezza South; and Poperi, Amachara, Nkagbogo, Unwana and Ugwuegu PHCs in Afikpo North.
DOVENET Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Peter Ewa, said the project had also strengthened access to adolescent-friendly sexual and reproductive healthcare through the establishment of youth-friendly corners in health facilities.
According to him, the facilities provide safe and confidential spaces where young people can discuss reproductive health concerns and obtain relevant information and services without fear of embarrassment or judgment.
Ewa, however, identified stigma as a major impediment to adolescent access to sexual and reproductive healthcare, citing entrenched cultural beliefs, social taboos and fear of public judgment.
He also raised concerns over shortages of HIV testing kits and prevention commodities, including pre-exposure prophylaxis and post-exposure prophylaxis, observed during supportive supervisory visits to health facilities.
He said the shortages sometimes compelled clients to seek services elsewhere, with some failing to complete the referral process.
Earlier, DOVENET Executive Director, Mrs Ugo Nnachi, commended journalists and other stakeholders for supporting the intervention through sustained public awareness and community mobilisation.
Nnachi pledged the organisation’s continued collaboration with the media, stressing that sustained public education remained critical to improving awareness and uptake of sexual and reproductive health services.
She also appreciated health workers, community-based structures and other partners for their contributions to the project as it winds down in October.
