Academy for Educational Development

Since 2002, AED has implemented HIV/AIDS workplace programming in Nigeria via the Strategically Managing AIDS Responses Together in the Workplace (SMARTWork) Project, which previously focused on direct implementation among workplaces. Through Supporting National & Local Capacity to Provide HIV/AIDS Prevention, Testing and Care and Treatment Services to the Nigerian Working Population, AED will implement a revised model for SMARTWork in which the bulk of direct activities will be implemented via indigenous Nigerian entities and a new focus will be added to the program to address Small and Medium Size Enterprises (SMEs) - micro-enterprises (1-10 employees), small-enterprises (11-50 employees), medium-enterprise (51-100 employees). Through workplace program efforts, and via partnerships with organized labor, business owners, and government, AED plans to reach a substantial number of Nigerians with HIV/AIDS prevention, care and support services. Partners for this effort include the Nigerian Business Coalition Against AIDS (NIBUCAA), a Nigerian NGO that will support ABC sensitization programs and uptake of VCT services in SMEs; and five national unions that are uniquely placed to reach public and private sector employees with HIV and AIDS-related programs. Union partners include the National Union of Textile, Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria (NUTGTWN), the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), the National Union of Chemical Footwear, Rubber, Leather and Non-Metallic Products (NUCFRLANMPE) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU).