Nigeria Key Populations Health and Rights Network

The Nigeria Key Populations Health and Rights Network (NKPHRN), also known as the Key Populations Secretariat, is a national coalition dedicated to advancing the health, rights, and well-being of key populations in Nigeria. These populations include men who have sex with men (MSM), female sex workers (FSW), people who inject drugs (PWID), transgender individuals, and other marginalized groups disproportionately affected by HIV and human rights challenges.

Mission and Objectives

NKPHRN’s primary mission is to ensure that key populations in Nigeria have equitable access to comprehensive health services and are protected from stigma, discrimination, and human rights violations. The network focuses on:

• Advocacy: Promoting policies and programs that support the health and rights of key populations.
• Capacity Building: Strengthening the abilities of key population-led organizations to deliver effective services.
• Coordination: Facilitating collaboration among stakeholders to enhance service delivery and policy implementation.
• Research and Data Collection: Generating evidence to inform interventions and policy decisions.

Institutional Strengthening and Renewal

In December 2022, NKPHRN initiated an institutional strengthening and renewal process aimed at enhancing its governance, membership structures, and operational effectiveness. Key components of this process include:

• Leadership Transition: Establishment of an Interim National Steering Committee to oversee the renewal process and guide the network’s activities until a new National Steering Committee is elected.
• Constitutional Revisions: Development of a revised constitution to reflect the network’s evolving structure and objectives.
• Membership Criteria: Updating membership criteria and processes to ensure inclusivity and representation.
• State-Level Coordination: Strengthening state-level structures to enhance local engagement and service delivery.

This renewal process is supported by various partners, including the Nigeria Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM), the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), the National Agency for the Control of Malaria, UNDP, UNAIDS, PEPFAR, and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria .

Historical Background

Originally known as the Key Affected Populations (KAP), the network was formed in 2016 and later registered in 2019 as the Nigeria Key Populations and Rights Network (NKPRN). It operates in 19 states across Nigeria, with support from the Global Fund, conducting elections every three years to ensure democratic governance .

Impact and Significance

NKPHRN plays a crucial role in Nigeria’s response to HIV and human rights challenges faced by key populations. By advocating for inclusive policies, enhancing service delivery, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, the network contributes to reducing HIV transmission rates and promoting the rights and well-being of marginalized communities.