By joshua AHF Nigeria Opens Call for Journalists to Amplify Ethical HIV and TB Reporting Across 7 States
By Stephen Adeleye
Lokoja, August 10, 2026 – The AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Nigeria, has opened applications for journalists to join a two-month project aimed at deepening ethical, solutions-focused coverage of HIV and TB in communities most affected by both diseases.
The “HIV and TB Media Reporting Project: Amplify the Response” will run from September to October 2026 and will support reporters in Abuja FCT, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Benue, Cross River, Kogi, and Nasarawa to produce human-centered stories that drive testing, treatment uptake, and public accountability.
Applications close at the close of business on Monday, 31st August 2026. Interested journalists can apply via https://forms.gle/S8U4HLqQCaCc43Cg7 or by sending documents to Procurement.Nigeria@aidshealth.org with the subject line “AHF HIV/TB Reporting Projects.
AHF Nigeria currently provides free HIV testing, treatment, care, and TB services across its seven states of operation.
While Nigeria has made progress toward the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets, AHF notes that challenges persist around TB reduction, stigma, misinformation, and funding gaps.
“Media is key to closing these gaps,” the organization stated in its call.
The project is designed to equip reporters with the science, context, and access needed to tell accurate, stigma-free stories that center the voices of people living with HIV and TB survival.
At least seven journalists will be selected for the pilot edition.
Each participant is expected to develop and publish two in-depth feature or investigative stories within the two-month period, with a human-angle focus.
The reporting will prioritize:
Stigma reduction: using person-first, rights-based language and ethical representation
Accountability: examining access to treatment, budget performance, and community-led monitoring in AHF-supported facilities
Key themes: U=U science, TB-HIV co-infection, domestic financing, local ARV manufacturing, and implementation of Nigeria’s Anti-Discrimination Act 2014
To support this, journalists must submit three story pitches and attend a full-day virtual orientation.
*Who can apply*
AHF is calling on journalists from print, online, broadcast, photographic storytelling, and community media who live and report in the seven project states.
To qualify, applicants must have a minimum of two years professional experience with verifiable published or broadcast work.
They must also be attached to a media organization, or for freelancers, provide a letter of intent to publish from an editor or publisher.
Priority will be given to women journalists, journalists with disabilities, and reporters from community and local language media.
Demonstrated interest in health, human rights, or development reporting is an added advantage.
*What AHF will provide*
Selected journalists will receive a package designed to remove common reporting barriers:
Capacity Training: Virtual orientation facilitated by NACA, NASCP, NTBLCP, AHF’s technical team, and senior editors, covering HIV/TB reporting, data journalism, ethics, and safety. Data support will be provided.
Reporting Grant: Modest funds to cover logistics for field work on two stories
Editorial Mentorship: One-on-one support from a senior health journalist or editor to refine angles and drafts
Key Access: Facilitated entry to AHF-supported facilities, State AIDS and TB Control Programs, PLHIV networks, and TB survivor groups for interviews
Recognition: Certificate of participation from AHF Nigeria, and featuring of top stories on AHF global platforms
*How to apply and selection timeline*
Applicants must submit a single PDF containing: a 2-page CV, a 250-word motivation letter, two 200-word story pitches with proposed sources and angle, links or PDFs of two work samples with at least one on health or development, and a letter of support from an editor.
The call opened on 10th August 2026.
Shortlisted journalists will be notified on 14th September 2026. Selection will be based on strength of story pitch 35%, relevance of work samples 15%, journalism experience 15%, gender diversity 15%, and editor support 10%.
For questions, contact Steve Aborisade, Senior Advocacy and Marketing Manager, AHF Nigeria, at 2 Paul Unongo Street, off Ebitu Ukiwe Street, Jabi, Abuja.
AHF, the world’s largest HIV/AIDS healthcare organization, provides care to more than 2.9 million people across 50 countries. In January 2025, it received The King Center’s MLK Jr. Social Justice Award.
End