A digital safe space for persons living with HIV

Depression is two-to-three times more prevalent in people living with HIV than in the general population. HIV exacerbates poverty, limits the formation of building relationships, marginalizes people and stigmatizes those infected. Despite advances in treatment, diagnosis with HIV infection is still very traumatic. Some people become overwhelmed with fear, shame and depression when they are recently diagnosed with HIV. There is a growing consensus that strategies to reduce HIV/AIDS globally and meeting the 2030 goal of project 90:90:90 must go beyond health interventions because of its severe social consequences.

JustCare Development Initiative is building a DIGITAL SAFE SPACE  (mobile platform) that aims to build resilience in the face of HIV vulnerability, improve the mental and physical health as well as, the overall quality of life of persons living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria. Through this platform, members will have access to JustCare’s skill acquisition programs, capacity and empowerment training, workshops, employment opportunities; geared towards providing a sustainable income for persons living with HIV; that are poor, out of jobs and without adequate sources of livelihood. Unlike other social network platforms, members will have access to peers counsellors at the comfort of their homes, share their personal stories to inspire other members, initiate conversations and ideas that may lead to interventions and advocacy where necessary, and build relationships among each other.

We are seeking funding to facilitate the development and launch of the platform. As a pre-launch strategy, we have developed a landing page (www.plconnect.com.ng) that explains the project and also to inform prospective users as soon as the platform is fully developed and launched.