Recently in Imo State, the Imo State Agency for the Control of HIV/AIDS (IMOSACA) convened a pivotal three-day strategic plan development workshop, bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders committed to the HIV response. This collaborative meeting featured representatives from Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), and other key partners actively working to combat the HIV epidemic in the state. The strategic planning process focused on developing a comprehensive roadmap to guide Imo State’s multi-sectoral response to HIV, with particular emphasis on critical areas such as prevention, testing, treatment, care, and support services. The plan is envisioned to mobilize resources, strengthen coordination among stakeholders, enhance service delivery, and improve health outcomes for individuals and communities affected by HIV.

Community & Youth Development Initiatives (CYDI) was actively represented at the workshop and proudly contributed its wealth of experience and field-based knowledge to the planning process. As an organization deeply rooted in grassroots engagement and adolescent and youth-focused health interventions, CYDI offered valuable insights on integrating community-based approaches, resource mobilization, especially in hard-to-reach and vulnerable populations. Our input emphasized the importance of inclusive strategies, gender-responsive programming, and youth-friendly services in achieving sustainable impact. CYDI remains committed to supporting the implementation of the strategic plan and to working collaboratively with other stakeholders to accelerate progress toward an HIV-free Imo State, Nigeria and Africa at large.