AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), an NGO, has urged the Federal Government to ensure the full implementation of anti-discrimination law in Nigeria.

Mr Steve Aborisade, Advocacy and Marketing Manager, AHF Nigeria, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja.

He advised the government to work closely with stakeholders to ensure that rights of individuals are protected.

Aborisade said he was giving the advice ahead of “Zero Discrimination Day’’ slated for March1.

He urged government to also ensure that a nationwide orientation was carried out to educating Nigerians and law enforcement agencies on the use of the law.

The manager explained that the adoption of the law in the country was a commendable development, adding that “a law is not efficient if it is not implemented’’.

According to him, the law applies to all persons living with and affected by HIV and AIDS in Nigeria as well as other employees of labour in the private and public sectors.

“The law comprises of individual rights, responsibilities, institutional obligation, penalties as well as threats, intimidation and punishment for non-compliance.

“March 1, is a day set aside by the United Nations as Zero Discrimination Day to raise awareness against all forms of discrimination, to celebrate individuality, inclusion and human rights.

“It is also a day to encourage every individual to live a full and productive life with dignity regardless of gender, race, nationality, age, disability, colour, sexual orientation, religion and language.

“Millions of people living with HIV and AIDS still suffer as a result of stigma and discrimination in Africa and the world at large, it however plays a very crucial role in ending AIDS.

“Individuals are still denied access to healthcare services, jobs and schools, rejection from their families and treated unfairly because of their status; all Nigerians have responsibility to prevent HIV discrimination in the society.

“AHF urges every individual to treat one another first as humans with rights that need to be respected and upheld as the world prepares to commemorate Zero Discrimination Day.’’

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the HIV and AIDS Anti-Discrimination Act of the Federal Republic of Nigeria was passed by the Senate and House of Representatives on April 9, and Oct.15, 2014, respectively. (NAN)

– Feb.  22, 2018 @ 15:09 GMT |