NACA asks Jonathan to sign HIV anti-stigma law

The National Agency for the Control of AIDS on
Monday called on President Goodluck Jonathan to give
his assent to the anti-stigma bill into law saying, it would
enhance ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030.
The Director-General of NACA, Prof. John Idoko
stated this in his message during the commemoration of this
year’s World’s AIDS Day with the theme: “Close the
Gap: No to stigma and discrimination.”
The World’s AIDS Day is an opportunity for people
worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV to show
their support for people living with HIV and remember
those who have died.
As early as 8:30 am on Monday, scores of stakeholders
involved in the fight against the scourge of HIV/AIDS
had converged in NACA Headquatres drumming and
singing solidarity songs demanding that the President
should give his assent to the anti-stigma bill.
Other major activities that were held to mark the World’s
AIDS Day include a symposium involving issues
concerning fostering understanding of the anti-
discrimination law amongst various stakeholders and HIV
Counseling and Testing Campaign Flag-off at Mambila
Barracks, Abuja.
The activities also include inter-school drama, a novelty
football match, extensive voluntary counseling and testing,
as well as a roadshow to create awareness about HIV
and existing HIV services in Nigeria.
Idoko said, “Nigeria is rallying against stigma and
discrimination on the 2014 World AIDS Day by urging
Nigerians to stop stigma and discrimination against people
living with HIV. Both the House of Representative and
the Senate have passed the anti-stigma bill. The
elimination of stigma and discrimination will make ending
the AIDS epidemic by 2030 possible through increased
access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support
services and ensure that no one is left behind by Nigeria’s
HIV response.
“The anticipated signing of the anti-stigma bill by the
President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is a much
welcome action in the country’s AIDS response. It will
help more Nigerians to seek testing, treatment and care
services without fear of facing stigma and discrimination.”
The UNAIDS Country Director for Nigeria and
UNAIDS Focal Point for ECOWAS, Dr. Bilali
Camara said, “The signing of the anti-stigma bill into law
is a landmark in the efforts to end the AIDS epidemic.
It is a symbol of renewed hope that Nigeria shall be able
to achieve the ambitious 90-90-90 treatment targets meant
to ensure, by 2020, 90 percent of people living with HIV
know their status, 90 percent who are HIV positive are
placed on treatment, and 90 percent of those on treatment
manage to suppress the virus.”