Abia gov’s wife vows to domesticate laws prohibiting discrimination/stigmatisation of people living with HIV/AIDS
Abia gov’s wife vows to domesticate laws prohibiting discrimination/stigmatisation of people living with HIV/AIDS
Ogbonnaya Ikokwu, Umuahia
The wife of the Abia State Governor Mrs Precilia Otti, has to lead the war against stigmatization and discrimination of people living with HIV/AIDS in the state.
Mrs Otti spoke on Tuesday during a meeting with members of the state chapter of Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN) and the Key Population (KP) group at her residence in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area.
She reaffirmed her commitment towards improving the lives of people living with HIV/AIDS through advocacy, support, empowerment
and providing hope for affected individuals.
She maintained that HIV is not a death sentence, while urging those affected to embrace treatment while rejecting societal judgment.
Mrs Otti said, “I am encouraged by the progress we are making to suppress the spread of the disease, but we must do more to prevent new infections and ensure a stigma-free society.
“This administration is dedicated to supporting every group in Abia State, including those living with HIV/AIDS.
“As a government we will collaborate with key stakeholders to domesticate laws prohibiting discrimination and stigmatisation of people living with HIV/AIDS in Abia.
“Our initiative signifies a bold step towards building an inclusive and compassionate society where no one feels left behind due to their health status”.
She enjoined women and youths who engage in commercial sex work to seek alternative opportunities, promising to initiate skill acquisition programs to empower and uplift them.
The Director General of the Abia State Agency for the Control of AIDS, Dr. Uloaku Emma, revealed that 46,788 individuals are currently undergoing treatment in the state.
She highlighted the agency’s commitment to eradicating stigma as a critical step in achieving zero new infections.
Representatives from NEPWHAN and the KP group, including National Secretary Mr. Joseph Anosike and State Coordinator Mr. Agbai Okali, expressed deep gratitude for Mrs. Otti’s intervention.
They emphasized the importance of sustainable support, including job creation and continuous sensitization, in addressing the root causes of vulnerability and controlling the virus.
The high point of the meeting was the distribution of bags of rice and cash donations to each of the attendees.