From June 15–21, 2016, the RHF project team carried out an intensive advocacy and mobilization exercise across the seven targeted communities in Ogbia LGA. The primary aim of this exercise was to strengthen community participation and ensure the effective mobilisation of People Living with HIV (PLHIV) for the ongoing project activities.
As part of the process, the team visited all public and private hospitals within the targeted communities, engaging with healthcare providers, facility managers, and relevant stakeholders to create awareness about the project’s objectives and encourage referrals. These visits served as an opportunity to share information about available services, promote the benefits of support group participation, and identify potential PLHIV who could be linked to care and support networks.
One notable challenge encountered during the mobilisation exercise was the difficulty in promptly reaching PLHIV in certain areas. This was partly due to the non-residence of the Support Group Head, Mrs. Elizabeth Clement, in the Ogbia community. Her absence limited immediate on-ground coordination, which in turn affected the speed and reach of the mobilisation efforts.
To address this gap, the RHF team undertook repeat advocacy visits to community stakeholders and health facilities, building on the earlier efforts made in May 2016. These follow-up visits reinforced key messages, strengthened relationships with local leaders, and ensured that healthcare providers were fully engaged in identifying and referring PLHIV to the appropriate support systems.
By the conclusion of the exercise, the project team had successfully deepened its engagement with community stakeholders, enhanced awareness within health facilities, and laid the groundwork for stronger mobilisation outcomes in the subsequent phases of the project.
