PLAN Foundation

roup of people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Oyo State in Southwestern Nigeria. It was formed from a group of PLHIV meeting under the direction and guidance of a non-governmental organization (Family Health and Population Action Centre – FAHPAC) that was providing counseling, care and support services for PLHIV in an era characterized by very high and suffocating levels of fear and stigma, virtual absence of information about HIV and AIDS and lack of access to antiretroviral therapy. The emergence of PLAN was at the turning point in the Nigerian response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic which witnessed establishment of multi-sectoral coordinating institutions, development of guidelines, policies and strategic plans at state and national levels as well as formation of civil society networks, coalitions, alliances and movements in the country. As one of the few PLHIV support groups in the growing Network of People Living With HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN), PLAN had the responsibility of midwifing the establishment, mentoring and nurturing of several support groups in the Southwestern region of Nigeria thrust at it soon after its emergence. PLAN benefited immensely from the NGO/CBO Support Program of the International HIV/AIDS Alliance (IHAA) through NELA which served as the project’s Linking Organization in Nigeria. PLAN’s relationship with NELA formed the bedrock on which it built its development and achievements over the years. Sequel to its organizational retreat held in January 2011, PLAN recognized the growing need to address public health, human rights and development issues with a holistic and integrated approach. This informed the strategic departure from the organization’s focus on PLHIV-centered counseling, care and support programs to a rights-based, gender focused and inclusive community engagement for integrated implementation of health, advocacy and development programs through investment in strengthening the capacities of the individual, family and community. In line with this strategic change, the organization registered its name as PLAN Health Advocacy and Development Foundation with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) on May 26, 2011. It also expanded its mandate to emphasize access to integrated delivery of high quality public health and development services regardless of the ability to pay. A visit to our website promises to be a journey into PLAN Foundation’s achievements, activities and affiliations. There is also ample opportunity for active interaction and exchange of information with the visitor to the website as well as linkage to further information, online resources and regular updates on programs, events and trending issues on health and development as they affect the individual, family, community and the world at large.