By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo
A Bill aimed at protecting people living with HIV/AIDS from stigmatisation and discrimination in Akwa Ibom State is awaiting the assent of Governor Umo Eno, after it was passed by the State Assembly.
House Committee Chairman on Health, Mr Moses Essien disclosed this in a goodwill message delivered at a three-day stakeholders’ sensitisation and technical meeting on the State HIV AIDS Strategic Plan held in Uyo yesterday.
The meeting, which focused on reviewing and aligning the Akwa Ibom State HIV/AIDS Strategic Plan, was jointly organised by the Akwa Ibom State Agency for the Control of AIDS (AKSACA) and the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA).
Essien, who represents Ibiono Ibom State Constituency, stated that the anti-stigmatization Bill was passed by the Eighth Assembly and currently undergoing judicial processes before being presented to the Governor for assent.
“When signed into law, this legislation will protect the rights and dignity of persons living with HIV/AIDS and prohibit discrimination in public institutions such as schools, churches, markets, and workplaces.
“The prevalence of HIV/AIDS in Akwa Ibom is concerning and this meeting provides an opportunity for all stakeholders to harmonise efforts and strengthen monitoring mechanisms”- Essien.
The lawmaker expressed optimism that the Bill would reduce the stigma often faced by HIV-positive individuals, which he described as a major barrier in the fight against the disease thereby encouraging more individuals to seek testing and treatment
He expressed the optimism that with legislative backing and sustained community enlightenment, the state can create a more friendly environment that encourages disclosure of status, care, and support.
He dislosed that the House had made adequate budgetary provisions to support AKSACA and other relevant agencies and called for stronger collaboration between government, civil societies, and the private sector.
It would be recalled that the 2024 HIV prevalence national health report had placed Akwa Ibom third of the states with the highest HIV prevalence in the country behind Benue and Rivers with the state having 161,597 cases of HIV infections.
