Campaigns That Move People.
From the Lagos AIDS Walk to school-based HIV education, our campaigns create awareness, change behavior, and save lives across Nigeria.
THE LAGOS AIDS WALK
Lagos AIDS Walk is an annual event organized by BIIRE in conjunction with the Lagos State Agency for the Control of AIDS (LSACA). Its core aim is to increase the Lagos State populace awareness of existing laws such as the HIV / AIDS Anti-stigma Bill which was passed in 1997 to protect people living with HIV / AIDS (PLWHA) from discrimination and stigmatization. This platform also seeks to advocate for increased political will and corporate support for HIV prevention, treatment, care and support; to raise funds for Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV (PMTCT) campaigns; and to progress towards international goals of universal access to HIV Counseling and testing (HCT) services.
Our “one test saves two lives” campaign is targeted at women of reproductive age particularly pregnant women living in remote communities with the aim of reducing the number of newborns who contract HIV from their mothers. This campaign includes educating women, their partners and building the capacity of traditional birth attendants (TBAs) about the necessity of HIV testing during pregnancy. It is believed that these tests will ultimately save more lives and help prevent mother to child transmission. Biire’s school-based HIV and AIDS education reaches many youths with HIV information, equipping them with the skills they need to protect themselves before they become sexually active. Research has shown that it is easier to lead children to adopt preventive behavior before they are sexually active. Education on sexual health does not encourage early sexual debut; on the contrary, it is observed that it delays the start of sexual activities
School-Based HIV and AIDS Education
Biire’s school-based sexual and reproductive health campaign focuses on HIV and AIDS education and prevention, reaching numerous youth with critical HIV information. We equip young people with knowledge and skills to protect themselves before becoming sexually active. Research demonstrates that it is significantly more effective to foster preventive behaviors in children before they become sexually active. Contrary to common misconceptions, comprehensive sexual health education does not encourage early sexual debut; evidence consistently shows it delays the initiation of sexual activity.
Felabration Festival Integration
FELABRATION Festival is an annual event at the New Africa Shrine in Lagos commemorating Nigeria’s foremost musical icon, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. This weeklong celebration of music, poetry, and performing arts attracts approximately 2,000 attendees, particularly youth from around the world. Recognizing the absence of HIV prevention activities at this high-profile cultural event, Biire Foundation strategically integrated HIV prevention and testing services into the Felabration festivities to sensitize youth on HIV transmission and prevention while providing client-friendly HCT.
An Apple a Day Project.
Malnutrition remains a pressing crisis across many regions in Africa, contributing to stunted, weakened immune systems and high child mortality rates. According to UNICEF, over 45 million children worldwide suffer from wasting (low weight for height) with a significant concentration in sub-Saharan Africa. While long-term solutions require systemic change- like agricultural reforms and poverty reduction, immediate nutritional interventions are critical to saving lives and, in the long term, improving the quality of lives.
To address the nutritional gap resulting from increasing poverty, we are launching the “AN APPLE A DAY” project. This is basically a fruit supply intervention that will provide malnourished children in hard-to-reach areas with daily nutritious fruits, particularly apples. Most of these children may have never seen an apple let alone eaten one. We will identify school with high numbers of malnourished children and provide regular fruit supplies until we see our desired results. The ages that will be targeted are from 5 to 10 years old.
This initiative is a potential lifeline for children facing hunger and malnutrition. By delivering a regular dose of health and hope through a single apple this projects aims an outcome of improved weight, height and health report, improve school attendance as well as job creation, our over all aim is to nourish bodies, uplift communities and build a healthier future for the next Africa generation
Why Apples?
Apples are naturally sweet therefore they appeal to children. Apples are globally recognized for their abundance of nutrients and bioactive compounds. As the adage states, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Apples are rich sources of vitamins and fiber