I’ll fight HIV stigma with legislation — Abia First Lady

The wife of the Abia State Governor, Mrs Priscilla Otti, has reaffirmed her commitment to leading the fight against the stigmatisation and discrimination of people living with HIV/AIDS in the state.

 

Mrs Otti made this pledge on Tuesday during a meeting with members of the Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria and the Key Population group at her residence in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area.

 

She emphasised her administration’s resolve to improve the lives of people living with HIV/AIDS through advocacy, empowerment, and providing a supportive environment free from stigma.

 

“HIV is not a death sentence,” Mrs Otti said, urging those affected to embrace treatment while rejecting societal judgment. She added, “We are making progress in suppressing the spread of the disease, but we must do more to prevent new infections and ensure a stigma-free society.”

 

The governor’s wife also revealed plans to implement laws prohibiting discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS in the state, promising collaboration with key stakeholders to ensure their enforcement.

 

“Our initiative signifies a bold step towards building an inclusive and compassionate society where no one feels left behind due to their health status,” she said.

 

Mrs Otti also called on women and youths engaged in commercial sex work to seek alternative opportunities, pledging to initiate skill acquisition programmes aimed at empowering and uplifting them.

 

The Director-General of the Abia State Agency for the Control of AIDS, Dr Uloaku Emma, disclosed that 46,788 individuals are currently undergoing treatment in the state. She emphasised that eradicating stigma remains critical to achieving zero new infections.

 

Representatives from NEPWHAN and the KP group, including National Secretary Mr Joseph Anosike and State Coordinator Mr Agbai Okali, expressed gratitude for Mrs Otti’s intervention. They called for sustainable support through job creation and continuous sensitisation to address vulnerabilities and combat the virus.

 

The event’s highlight was the distribution of bags of rice and cash donations to attendees, symbolising the government’s commitment to supporting people living with HIV/AIDS in Abia State.

 

 

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