The Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA) has said effective HIV prevention goes beyond providing information, stressing the need for Peer Educators to build trust through respectful communication, confidentiality and appropriate referrals.
The Chief Executive Officer of LSACA, Dr Folakemi Animashaun, stated this on Monday at the Capacity Strengthening Training for Peer Educators on Harm Reduction, held at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Ikeja, Lagos.
In a statement issued on Monday by the agency’s Director, Public Affairs, Adekunbi Bakare, Animashaun said Peer Educators played a critical role in the state’s HIV response because of their close connection with communities and their position as trusted sources of information, support and referrals.
She said Peer Educators help community members access accurate HIV information, make informed and safer choices, seek HIV testing, utilise prevention services, and remain connected to treatment and care.
“Every interaction with a Peer Educator can affect whether a person feels safe enough to seek help. This is why the way you speak to people, the information you give and the support you provide are very important,” she said.
The LSACA CEO explained that harm reduction focuses on helping people reduce health risks through practical, respectful and non-judgmental approaches, while ensuring that they can access the services and support they require.
She said the training was designed to strengthen participants’ knowledge and practical skills in effective communication, provision of accurate information, confidentiality, identification of individuals requiring additional support, and appropriate referrals to health, psychosocial and other relevant services.
Animashaun also emphasised the importance of professionalism among Peer Educators, urging them to protect the privacy of the people they serve, provide accurate information, make appropriate referrals and treat everyone with dignity and respect.
“Many people will judge the quality of the HIV response by the way they are treated when they first ask for help. You must therefore be professional at all times. Protect people’s privacy. Give correct information. Make proper referrals. Treat everyone with dignity and respect,” she said.
She reaffirmed LSACA’s commitment to strengthening the connection between community-based services and the formal health system, noting that strong community support could help people access services earlier, remain connected to care and receive the support they need.
The CEO encouraged participants to take the knowledge and skills gained from the training back to their respective communities and organisations, stressing that the success of the programme would be reflected in improved communication, stronger referral systems, increased access to services and better support for beneficiaries.
Animashaun acknowledged the leadership of the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, and the continued commitment of the Lagos State Government to improving health and social services for residents.
She also appreciated implementing and technical partners, community organisations and networks, service providers, facilitators and other stakeholders for their continued support towards strengthening HIV prevention and community-based services across Lagos State.
The training facilitator, Mr Isaac Moses, took participants through key principles and practical approaches to harm reduction and community-based service delivery.
Moses said the training was designed to equip Peer Educators with the knowledge and skills required to effectively engage beneficiaries, provide accurate and appropriate information, make timely referrals and link individuals to relevant health and psychosocial services.
He emphasised the importance of adopting a respectful, confidential, non-judgmental and client-centred approach when working with communities, particularly vulnerable and underserved populations.
The training underscores LSACA’s commitment to equipping community-level actors with the knowledge, skills and professional competencies required to contribute effectively to HIV prevention, harm reduction, linkage to services and improved health outcomes across Lagos State.
