Elizabeth Shoyemi is a distinguished leader and researcher with a strong track record in advancing the health and well-being of marginalized populations in Nigeria.
As Executive Director of the Centre for Population Health Initiatives (CPHI), she has successfully led groundbreaking initiatives in HIV cure advocacy and secured funding for marginalized populations in Nigeria.
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Hi Elizabeth, Can you tell us about your leadership at the Centre for Population Health Initiatives (CPHI) and the impact of your work on marginalized populations?
ES: As the Executive Director of CPHI, my leadership has centered on improving the sexual and reproductive health of marginalized populations in Nigeria. Through our initiatives, we’ve secured over $10 million in funding, which has resulted in measurable improvements in HIV prevention and treatment outcomes.
By strategically overseeing operations and partnerships, we’ve successfully introduced innovative approaches, such as HIV self-testing and CAB-LA, significantly enhancing health outcomes for often overlooked populations. The impact has been profound—improving access to care and reducing stigma in vulnerable groups.
What specific challenges have you encountered in advocating for the health needs of marginalized populations, and how have you overcome them?
ES: One of the primary challenges has been addressing the multi-layered stigma surrounding HIV, particularly in key populations like men who have sex with men, female sex workers, and people who inject drugs.
We’ve tackled this through extensive community engagement and behavior change research to reduce stigma and increase access to health services.
By collaborating with stakeholders across government, private sectors, and international organizations, we’ve fostered a more inclusive environment, ultimately enhancing healthcare delivery.
You’ve led groundbreaking work in HIV cure advocacy. Can you share more about these initiatives and their significance?
ES: Our work in HIV cure advocacy has been pioneering, particularly with the introduction of HIV self-testing in 2018 and CAB-LA in 2024.
These innovations have made testing more accessible and treatment more sustainable for key populations, ensuring that individuals can manage their health with dignity.
These efforts, funded through strategic partnerships, provide critical data that inform clinical decision-making and policy development, positioning Nigeria as a leader in HIV prevention strategies in Africa.
What are some of the key research contributions you’ve made to the field of HIV prevention, particularly among marginalized groups?
ES: My research has focused on understanding social and behavioural change, HIV stigma, and clinical management in marginalized populations.
A notable contribution is my role in co-pioneering the introduction of HIV self-testing and long-acting injectable therapies (CAB-LA) in Nigeria.
I’ve also co-authored over 20 publications, with over 300 citations, and contributed to research that provides critical insights into stigma reduction and behavioral interventions. This work not only informs clinical protocols but also helps shape national HIV prevention strategies.
Can you describe the significance of your role as a co-principal Investigator on the US$ 56,000 HIV prevention research program?
ES: As a co-PI in this program, I am responsible for overseeing research that focuses on HIV prevention among sexual and gender minority youths using mobile health applications.
This research is particularly groundbreaking as it combines cutting-edge technology with behavioral health interventions. Our findings are crucial in understanding how mobile platforms can be leveraged to increase access to HIV prevention tools, especially in hard-to-reach populations, ultimately guiding future health policy and innovation.
You have been part of several prestigious working groups. How has your involvement in these groups influenced your work at CPHI?
ES: My participation in key working groups, such as the National HIV Prevention Technical Working Group and the National Key Populations Working Group, has provided invaluable insights into national-level strategies and policies. These experiences have strengthened CPHI’s ability to align its programs with national priorities, and our collaboration with government agencies has enhanced our impact on marginalized communities. It also allows me to contribute to shaping policies that directly affect the populations we serve.
How has your research and work in HIV stigma and behavior change contributed to shaping clinical practices and health outcomes?
ES: My research into HIV stigma—both intersectional and internalized—has shed light on the barriers that prevent key populations from accessing care. By addressing these stigmas through community-based interventions and education, we’ve seen increased uptake of HIV prevention and treatment services. This work has influenced clinical practices by ensuring that healthcare providers are better equipped to deliver non-discriminatory care, ultimately improving health outcomes in these vulnerable groups.
What role has securing over $10 million in funding played in advancing your initiatives, and how do you ensure the effective use of these resources?
ES: Securing this level of funding has been instrumental in scaling our programs and ensuring their sustainability. These funds have enabled us to expand our reach, improve service delivery, and introduce innovative technologies like mobile health apps for HIV prevention. I ensure effective use of these resources by implementing robust financial management and monitoring systems, along with clear operational strategies that drive measurable health outcomes and long-term impact.
You’ve co-authored over 20 publications. How has your research influenced broader public health strategies in Nigeria?
ES: The research I’ve contributed to, especially on HIV prevention and stigma, has provided critical data that informs national health strategies.
By presenting our findings at international conferences and collaborating with global health organizations, we’ve influenced the development of more inclusive and effective public health policies.
This work ensures that marginalized populations are not overlooked and that national health strategies are grounded in evidence-based approaches.
In your role at CPHI, what strategies have you implemented to ensure the organization’s growth and enhance service delivery?
ES: I’ve implemented a multi-faceted approach that includes strengthening our partnerships with government entities, private sector organizations, and international donors.
By providing technical leadership in research and operations, I’ve also ensured that our two field clinics and 20 mobile outreach teams operate efficiently.
Additionally, leveraging digital health platforms and social media campaigns has been crucial in advancing our HIV vaccine advocacy and increasing community engagement, resulting in a broader impact and sustainable growth.
