In a historic move to combat Hepatitis C and other bloodborne diseases among People Who Inject Drugs (PWID), the Society for Family Health (SFH), in partnership with the Oyo State Ministry of Health, has created the first set of harm reduction Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials in the state.
These new materials were developed under the HEPC3P project through a community-centered workshop that included public and private harm reduction partners, communication experts, and members of the PWID community.
Together, they reviewed old materials, found messaging gaps, and created eleven new tools designed to educate and protect drug users.
The statement shared on X on Thursday read partly, “This innovative measure was achieved through a community-centred material development workshop, bringing together harm reduction partners (from both the public and private sectors), communication experts, and members of the target community.”
“With a human-centred approach, participants reviewed existing tools, identified messaging gaps, developed the corresponding Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) themed creative briefs, and eleven new community-focused materials evolved.
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The initiative underscores SFH’s commitment to Universal Health Coverage and reinforces the principle of leaving no one behind, especially those traditionally underserved in the healthcare system.
By rooting the campaign in the lived realities of PWID, the project takes a bold step toward dismantling stigma and improving health outcomes through inclusive, effective communication.
As Nigeria continues its journey toward better public health outcomes, this community-led approach stands as a model for other states and organizations looking to bridge the gap between policy and people.
