The United Nations has announced Nigeria as an official member of the Global Partnership for Action to Eliminate All Forms of HIV-Related Stigma and Discrimination in the country.
The partnership seeks to help translate political and human rights commitments made at global, regional and national levels towards the elimination of HIV-related stigma and discrimination into action at the country level.
This was disclosed in Abuja, at the commemoration of the zero-discrimination day and the official launch of Nigeria’s membership.
Speaking, UNAIDS Country Director, in Nigeria, Dr Leopold Zekeng, noted that the milestone underscores Nigeria’s commitment to ensuring equal rights and access to healthcare for people living with HIV.
“Last year we met, and there was a commitment to making sure that Nigeria, will become a member of the global coalition for action that will eliminate all HIV-related stigma and discrimination. And under the leadership of NACA, I’m happy, to announce that now Nigeria is one of the members of that global coalition, the partnership to end stigma and discrimination, the coalition is about fighting stigma and discrimination in the health system. It’s about fighting stigma and discrimination education. It’s about setting the workplace. The community level, the judiciary system, and then in the humanitarian setting. So we are here also to celebrate, for the fact that Nigeria has joined, that global partnership. But the hard work then starts now. It’s good, to join a partnership, it’s good to join a convention, but the most difficult part is to really make it a reality. I really hope that you can count on our support, that not only UNAIDS but the entire system will help Nigeriato implement the requirement of this global partnership.”
Dr. Leopold Zekeng, stressed that an estimated 1.9 million persons with the ailment are at risk of AIDS, noting that there is evidence that barriers to ending the AIDS epidemic as a public health threat by 2030 have been significantly reduced in the country.
He further emphasised the need to address deep-seated prejudices that fuel discrimination.
“People living with HIV and communities most at risk still face stigma and discrimination at all levels, such as in homes, workplaces, within health services, educational establishments, and at the policy level. If we look everywhere in the world, including in Nigeria, there’s no doubt that we’ve made remarkable progress on reducing death related to HIV, because we’ve put more people on treatment. As we’re putting them on treatment, we see AIDS related mortality on the decline. You will agree with me that we’ve made remarkable progress on the zero AIDS related death, including in Nigeria, where we have more than 1.7 million people on treatment. And then the AIDS related death had reduced, let’s say about 55%. The second zero, it’s around reducing new infections. We’ve made some progress with new infections on the decline. And worldwide, last year, we’ve mentioned the decline of new infection, about 50%. Again, new infections have declined, because we’re putting emphasis on primary prevention
“We’re making sure that people are aware, we’re making sure that programme for key populations are made available. We haven’t made substantial progress on zero discrimination, because people who live with HIV and AIDS, will tell you, what kills them is not the virus. What kills them is the way they look at them. I want to suggest that under the leadership of NACA, when we meet next year again, we’ll also be able to say, as a commitment, to zero discrimination this year, we’re able to domesticate and then enact the zero, the stigma and discrimination act in five more states, or why not in all the remaining states, of the Republic of Nigeria”, he added
Also speaking the Director General of the National Agency for the Control of Aids (NACA), Dr. Temitope Ilori, represented by the Director Community Prevention and Care Services, Dr. James Anenih, noted that Nigeria’s membership partnership would strengthen and revitalize partnerships amongst stakeholders to implement and scale up programs towards ending all forms of HIV-related stigma and discrimination.
“Nigeria’s commitment to the Global Partnership. By joining the Global Partnership, Nigeria commits to the following actions. Partnering with civil society organizations, communities of people living with, at risk of or most affected by HIV, UN partners, academia, private sector, donors and other stakeholders to identify policy and program gaps, design and implement evidence-informed interventions and tracking progress in eliminating HIV-related stigma and discrimination. Assessing the current state of HIV-related stigma and discrimination in the country or building on previous assessments to identify and implement human rights policies and programs to eliminate barriers to services”.
According to Dr. Anenih, Stigma and discrimination against anyone is harmful to the health of everyone, that not only violates human rights but also hinders collective progress in the fight against HIV AIDS, stressing that the celebration of the Zero Discrimination, is an avenue to renew efforts.
“The Zero Discrimination Day presents an opportunity for Nigeria to strengthen its commitment through ensuring the domestication and effective implementation of the HIV AIDS Anti-Stigma Discrimination Act in all states across Nigeria. Committing to take actions on HIV-related stigma and discrimination across all six settings and letting communities lead in addressing stigma and discrimination
“Nigeria must also ensure accountability for HIV-related human rights violations by improving access to justice, ensuring prompt and effective remedies for people living with, affected by or at risk of HIV. For Nigeria to deliver on the promise to end AIDS by 2030, action is urgently needed to advance the protection of human rights for everyone, everywhere. NACA and UNAIDS call on all stakeholders to synergize in these critical efforts. By working together we can create a society where everyone is free from stigma and discrimination and where all individuals can live healthy and fulfilling lives”, he added
Also speaking, the Chairman of the House Committee on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, Leprosy, and Malaria Control, Amobi Godwin Ogah, observed that despite the establishment of an act prohibiting discrimination in the workplace, there still exists a lack of political will both by the government and the private sector to fully implement it.
Despite significant progress in reducing HIV-related deaths and new infections in Nigeria, stigma remains a major barrier to achieving the global goal of ending AIDS by 2030.
With Nigeria now on board, stakeholders are expected to push for stronger implementation of the HIV/AIDS anti-discrimination law, which makes it illegal to deny employment or services based on HIV status.
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