Health, Lifestyle
THE Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria has appealed to the three levels of government to assist with employment and empowerment opportunities for their members to enhance their financial independence.
Patrick Akpan, the Coordinator of NEPWHAN in Lagos, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Monday in Lagos.
Akpan said that a large percentage of the network members were unemployed, thus financially challenged to meet their needs.
According to him, empowering the network members with employment, vocational or soft skills would enable more of them to become self-reliant, and assist their families and other members.
“Beyond getting handouts from governments, we want our members to be taught how to fish, this would translate into steady income for us and improve our standard of living,” he said.
The Coordinator said that members of the network should be assisted to benefit from the government’s recruitment programs into the civil service.
He said that public and private organizations should also desist from discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS.
According to him, some organizations withdraw employment opportunities that had been given to people living with HIV/AIDS after discovering their health status based on mandatory medical checks that precede confirmation of employment.
“This is not right. Our members should not be deprived of earning a living because of their health status. We are willing and eager to learn and work so that we can contribute to the economic growth of the country,” he said.
Akpan said that living with HIV shouldn’t stop people from having a productive work life and fulfilling relationships.
He appealed to the public to play a more important role in reducing stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS.
Akpan called for more support and advocacy to correct the myths and stereotypes about HIV in various communities. (NAN)
-Feb, 15, 2021 14:34 AM
Tags: Association seeks employment empowerment of members
