HIV Not a Death Sentence as NEPWHAN Advocates Legal Action Against Stigmatization
By Roseline Okakah
Network of People Living With HIV/AIDS in Nigeria NEPWHAN has called for the enforcement of anti-stigma laws to combat the sigma and discrimination faced by people living with the virus which it declared not a death sentence .
The Ondo State Coordinator of NEPWHAN, Prince Aladelusi Adeshina, spoke at a one-day HIV stigma and anti-discrimination awareness workshop organized in collaboration with the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) held recently in Akure.
Adeshina, who shared his experience said he has being living with the virus for over 35 years while his children’s status remained negative.
He expressed concern over the persistent stigmatization of people living with HIV (PLHIV), despite the availability of effective treatments that allow infected individuals to live healthy and fulfilling lives if they adhere to their treatment.
Adeshina encouraged local government officials and community stakeholders to empower PLHIV and support them in their journey to live healthy lives.
The Project Manager of the Ondo State Agency for the Control of AIDS (SACA), Dr. Adedayo Adegbulu, emphasized the importance of ensuring that peer educators and mentors, who play key roles in supporting PLHIV, are integrated into the state’s response system.
The Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN) has advocated for legal action against HIV stigmatization and called for the enforcement of anti-stigma laws to combat the stigma and discrimination faced by individuals living with HIV.
The National Deputy Coordinator of NEPWHAN, Mrs. Jaiyeola Ayomide, made the call at the one-day HIV stigma and anti-discrimination awareness workshop, which took place on Monday, October 21, 2024, in Akure, the Ondo State capital.
In her opening remarks, Ayomide highlighted the damaging effects of stigma, noting that discrimination discourages people from seeking medical care, leading to broader public health risks.
She emphasized the importance of enforcing the anti-stigma law in Ondo State and called for legal action against those who violate the rights of PLHIV.
She stated that the workshop was driven by findings from the Nigeria PLHIV Stigma Index 2.0 survey, aimed at engaging key stakeholders in tackling stigma and educating the public about the Anti-Discrimination Act. Ayomide emphasized the deep-seated stigmatization experienced by PLHIV in various settings, including homes, schools, workplaces, and healthcare facilities.
“The purpose of this programme is to create awareness and remind everyone that HIV is no longer what it used to be. People living with HIV have rights and deserve to live free from prejudice,” she stated.
The Director General of NACA, Dr. Temitope Ilori, represented by Ogechi Ibeawuchi, reaffirmed NACA’s commitment to eliminating barriers to justice for PLHIV.
“This partnership between NACA and NEPWHAN aims to eradicate stigma and discrimination, ensuring that PLHIV can access justice and healthcare without fear,” Ilori stated.
In his goodwill message, the Clerk of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Hon. Benjamin Jaiyeola, reminded PLHIV of the Anti-Discrimination Law passed during the tenure of former Governor Olusegun Mimiko.
He urged PLHIV to familiarize themselves with the law and not to wait for the government to help them, as there are provisions in the law that allow them to institute civil actions against anyone who discriminates against them.
He encouraged individuals to seek redress through the Ministry of Justice if necessary.
The Chairman of the Ondo State House Committee on Health, Hon. Dr. Ogunlana Chris, commended the organizers for raising awareness and stressed the importance of understanding the disease.
“HIV can be managed, and those living with it can lead normal lives. The stigma comes from outdated beliefs that HIV is untreatable. We must educate people to embrace PLHIV and treat them with dignity,” he said, adding that HIV should not be seen as a death sentence.
The State Coordinator of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in Ondo State, Mr. Sunday Oyewole, echoed the call to stop stigmatization, stating, “Stigma kills faster than the virus.”
Oyewole urged PLHIV to speak out against discrimination and reminded the audience that everyone has a role to play in creating a more inclusive society.
Senior Programme Officer at NEPWHAN, James Atusue, explained that the program was initiated following a survey revealing ongoing discrimination against PLHIV across Nigeria
. Atusue called for healthcare workers to be trained in non-discriminatory practices and encouraged PLHIV to be aware of their rights under the Anti-Discrimination Law.
The Head of the Gender-Based Violence Department at the Ministry of Justice, Barr. Adeyemi Adeyosoye, reinforced the importance of legal avenues for PLHIV facing discrimination, stating that the anti-discrimination law in Ondo State is designed to protect them, and they should not hesitate to seek legal redress when necessary.
The Assistant Secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Ondo State, Rev. Canon Victor Adeola, representing religious leaders, commended NEPWHAN and NACA for their work and encouraged religious leaders to educate their congregations about the rights of PLHIV.
The workshop concluded with a strong call for collective action, emphasizing that the fight against HIV stigma and discrimination requires the involvement of government, civil society, religious leaders, and community members.
The goal is to ensure that by 2030, HIV-related stigma is eradicated, and PLHIV can live free from prejudice and discrimination.
