President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan GCFR, has signed the HIV and AIDS Anti-Discrimination ACT 2014 in law. It is according to the National Agency for the Control of AIDS ‘’a reflection of Nigeria’s commitment to stopping all forms of stigmatization and discrimination targeted at people living with HIV/ AIDS’’. This landmark legislation makes provisions for the prevention of HIV-related discrimination and provides for access to healthcare and other services. It also provides for protection of the human rights and dignity of people living with HIV and those affected by AIDS in Nigeria
The Director General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS, Prof. John Idoko said, “The signing of the Anti- Discrimination law by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is a much welcome action in the fight against AIDS. It will help more Nigerians to seek testing, treatment and care services without fear of facing stigma and discrimination.”
Reacting to the news, Mrs. Kehinde Osinowo, Director of Programs at ARFH said that the Anti-Discrimination ACT 2014 is a demonstration that government is serious about ending all forms of HIV/AIDS in Nigeria. She further http://onhealthy.net mentioned that ARFH will continue to work with the govt and partners towards the smooth implementation of this law.
Also reacting, Dr. Seun Ojomo, Programme Officer, Home Base Care & Treatment Adherence Support of ARFH/Global Fund HIV Project expressed his joy on the signing into law of the HIV and AIDS Anti-Discrimination ACT 2014 and commended the advocacy efforts of Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS (NEPWHAN) during the campaign to get the bill signed. ARFH is working strategically with Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS (NEPWHAN) to improve treatment adherence and reduce stigma in the communities through active community dialogues meetings for People Living with HIV/AIDS to carry out their normal activities .
By 2013, the number of HIV infections had declined by 35% and Nigeria is pursuing efforts to stop new infections altogether. The number of sites providing services to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV increased from 675 in 2010 to 5,622 in 2013 (Source: NACA) . The HIV and AIDS Anti-Discrimination ACT 2014 will improve treatment and care for people living with HIV& AIDS.
