Health
HEARTLAND Alliance International (HAI) on Friday advocated increased social support structures to eliminate stigma and discrimination against Persons Living With HIV (PLWHIV) and vulnerable communities in the country.
Mr Batholomew Ochonye, Country Director of the Alliance told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that stigma and discrimination were aspects of human rights abuse.
Ochonye stressed the need for stronger collaboration of stakeholders and government to create friendly service centers and implement policies that would restore the protection and confidence of the vulnerable community.
“There is a need for increased social support structures for the vulnerable persons affected by HIV and those who suffer human rights abuse and gender-based violence due to their status.
“We need to ensure friendly services centers and well-trained people to manage the myriad of challenges faced by the needy in our society,” he said.
He said that the policy the environment needed should be more supportive and awareness-raising, aimed at strengthening the people to know their rights as provided by the constitution.
According to him, the relevant UN and AU instruments on human and people’s rights, the UN declaration on human rights must be upheld and respected by law enforcement officials as well as various service providers.
Ochonye who condemned all manners of discrimination and stigma described as ”wrong” the fear and hatred against fellow human beings because of HIV or vulnerability.
He emphasized the need for groups to be encouraged to fight for their rights without fear of discrimination or abuse by state and state actors.
The Country Director described stigma as a ”very dangerous component inimical to the fight against HIV/AIDS.
“Stigma has made some service providers insensitive and lack empathy which is critical to the communities in need.
“Self-stigma is even more dangerous as it leads to poor self-esteem and being withdrawn from sources of support,” Ochonye said.
NAN reports that President Goodluck Jonathan, in Feb 2015 signed the anti-discrimination bill into law which aims at protecting the rights and dignity of people living with HIV.
The HIV/AIDS Anti-Discrimination Act 2014 makes it illegal to discriminate against people based on their HIV status.
It also prohibits any employer, individual or organization from requiring a person to take an HIV test as a precondition for employment or access to services. (NAN)
– May 21, 2021 @ 16:15 GMT
Tags: AIDS: Group advocates increased support structures to eliminate stigma discrimination
