In Nigeria, an estimated 2 million adults aged 15-49 live with HIV (Onovo et al., 2023), ranking third globally in terms of people living with HIV (Ukaegbu et al., 2022). The risk of HIV is exacerbated by Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), which increase the viral load, susceptibility, and disease progression (Cohen et al., 2019). Globally, women bear a disproportionate burden of HIV/STDs, but boys and men face unique challenges of poor access to care and increased riskier behaviours. In sub-Saharan Africa, men are less likely to access treatment and know their HIV status (UNAIDS, 2017). The HIV/STD burden for boys and men is aggravated in slums due to poor healthcare, poverty, and socioenvironmental conditions (Kabiru et al., 2011; Madise et al., 2012). The situation may be particularly dire for internal migrants in Nigeria, who reportedly endure a double layer of exclusion within these marginalized settings (Abiola & Ndisika, 2022; Mberu & White, 2011). Men’s attitudes toward their health are influenced by cultural and gender norms, with masculinity playing a significant role (Etienne, 2018).   

This study will examine how boys and men in Nigerian slums behave towards HIV/STDs, to identify masculine norms that influence their prevention, management and treatment plans. Addressing this gap is crucial for improving male-targeted health programs and the overall well-being of boys and men and the community at large.  Through working with groups residing in slums, and adopting the Masculinity Value Framework (MVF), the project is developing a Positive Masculinity Value Framework, which will be delivered with boys and men, capable of challenging gender norms and masculine ideas obstructing the prevention, management and treatment of HIV/STDs. It will also lead to the development of a collaborative strategy for future engagement with boys and men.