Empowering Communities for investment in Drug Use Prevention and Harm Reduction Responses in the Federal Capital Territory.
NAYA implemented a project to address drug use among adolescents and youth in Kuje Area Council, focusing on harm reduction, stigma reduction, and promotion of rights and dignity. The project employed a multi-faceted approach, including:
- Capacity building: Training 10 AYWUD as change agents for harm reduction and stigma reduction
- Social media campaign: Promoting advocacy messages and reducing stigma through social media
- Community dialogue: Sensitization meeting with 25 state and non-state actors to discuss stigma reduction and collaborative solutions
- Information dissemination: Printing and distributing UNODC IEC materials on prevention, harm reduction, and non-stigmatizing behaviors
The project aimed to address the complex issue of drug use among adolescents and youth, tackling poverty, unemployment, mental health issues, and lack of educational opportunities. By promoting the rights and dignity of AYWUD, NAYA seeks to reduce stigma and discrimination, ensuring access to information and health services.
Outcome:
- Trained 10 AYWUD as change agents
- Reached a wider audience through social media campaigns
- Facilitated open discussions on stigma reduction and collaborative solutions among state and non-state actors
- Distributed IEC materials promoting harm reduction and non-stigmatizing behaviors
Impact:
- Reduced stigma and discrimination against AYWUD
- Increased access to information and health services for AYWUD
- Promoted rights and dignity of AYWUD
- Contributed to a comprehensive approach to addressing drug use in Kuje Area Council
This project was funded by YouthRise Nigeria and implemented by Novel Association for Youth Advocacy (NAYA).
