…Resound Call for Anti Stigma Law.
The Network of Persons Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWAN) Akwa Ibom State chapter, has decried stigmatization and discrimination against their members by citizens and the state government.
Recall that the bill seeking to prohibit stigmatization and discrimination against persons living with HIV/AIDS was passed by Akwa Ibom State House Assembly on 30th September, 2021, but awaiting assent by Governor UDOM EMMANUEL.
After several failed efforts, a delegation of the association in partnership with other stakeholders staged a peaceful march to the governor’s office, Wellington Bassey Way, Uyo on Thursday but were told the governor was not on seat.
Members of the association seized the chance to join other Akwa Ibom women in Ibom Hall to express goodwill to Her Excellency, wife of the governor, Dr Martha Emmanuel.
They later alleged they were resisted at Ibom Hall by the commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Dr INI ADIAKPAN who according to them claimed they would disrupt the event.
The HIV Anti Stigma and Discrimination bill seeks to regulate HIV/AIDS counselling and testing in the state, prohibit stigmatization against persons living with HIV/AIDS, protect the rights and dignity of persons living with HIV /AIDS and hasten the achievement of no-new-infection by 2030.
