The Akwa Ibom State Agency for the Control of AIDS (AKSACA) has constituted a Gender and Human Rights State Response Team to ensure that the Anti-stigma and discrimination bill is properly implemented.

On Tuesday, September 24, The State House of Assembly passed the Anti-Stigma and Discrimination Bill, as it awaits assent by the Governor, Pastor UMO ENO.

AKSACA at the committee inauguration ceremony said a Gender and Human Rights response team comprising key stakeholders in Akwa Ibom state will drive the mitigation of discrimination against persons living with HIV.

In his remarks, AKSACA Program Manager, DR ENOBONG AKPAN said it remains imperative to foster an inclusive society that respects the dignity and rights of all individuals.

Also speaking about the Akwa Ibom’s HIV profile, the Prevention Officer for AKSACA, Dr. EDITH IGBEMI said the state has recorded N12,000 new infections by 2023 and that to prevent spread of the virus, it is crucial to tackle stigma and discrimination.

Dr EDITH highlighted that the response committee is mandated to support the mainstreaming of gender equality and human rights, while responding to related issues on HIV, at the state level, as outlined in the HIV/AIDS policy and strategic framework.

A resonating submission was made by the state representative for the Joint United Nations on HIV/AIDS – UNAIDS, DR IDAYAT UTHMAN, who said that the response team needs to establish a structure for effective implementation of the law.

The Gender and Human Rights Response committee was therefore inaugurated by the Director of Public Health, DR ETOP ANTIA, who represented Akwa Ibom’s Commissioner for Health.

The members comprising stakeholders form the Ministry of Justice, the Human Rights Commission, the Police, Faith Based Organisations, Implementing Partners and others, have pledged commitment to their duties to achieve the epidemic control in the state.