Urging Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to enact a recently approved HIV Anti-stigma bill in Nigeria, the Initiative for Grassroot Advancement (INGRA) has made an appeal. The bill was recently passed by the Kogi State House of Assembly.
During a media roundtable in Lokoja on advancing the HIV Anti-stigma bill and addressing issues related to HIV stigma reduction, Hamza Aliyu, the Executive Director of INGRA, expressed the appeal on Thursday.
It is worth mentioning that on 19th June 2024, the Kogi State House of Assembly passed the bill to prevent discrimination based on HIV and AIDS and safeguard the rights and dignity of individuals living with or affected by HIV and AIDS.
Aliyu clarified that the proposed law aims to safeguard the rights and dignity of individuals affected by HIV and AIDS and eradicate all forms of discrimination based on their health condition.
Requesting Governor Ododo to enact the bill, Aliyu stressed the importance of creating a supportive environment for individuals living with HIV and AIDS to function normally as long as they are medically able to do so.
Upon enactment, the law will promote effective methods for managing HIV in various fields such as the workplace, community, and institutions, establishing a safe and supportive environment for those living with or affected by HIV and AIDS.
Furthermore, it will strike a balance between the rights and duties of all members of society, in line with the human rights guaranteed in Chapter 4 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and international human rights protocols.
Aliyu suggested that the lack of awareness about the virus and its transmission leads to discrimination against individuals infected with HIV and AIDS, citing it as a major reason behind the need for the law.
Moreover, he highlighted, “Misinformation and lack of awareness, coupled with outdated beliefs, instill fear of contracting HIV and perpetuate negative stereotypes about infected individuals.”
He also pointed out the impact of the disease on mental health and the nervous system of those living with and affected by it, emphasizing the discrimination, denial of rights, and negative treatment outcomes that individuals with HIV often face.