A non governmental organization known as Nigerian Network of Religious Leaders Living with or Personally affected by HIV/AIDS (NINERELA+) has expressed commitment to put an end to stigmatization challenges in the fight against HIV/AIDS in the country.
According to the NGO, stigmatization and discrimination in the country are the major challenges in Fighting the scourge and efforts are on to put an end to the challenges.
The Chairman Board of Trustees of the organization Bishop Mike Akpami, made the commitment at the stakeholders dialogue with the theme, “Setting agenda for faith-based consultations on stigma and human rights, in the contest of HIV.”
According to UNAIDS, human rights and the quest for zero discrimination are at the centre of the 2016 political declaration on ending AIDS, stigma, discrimination and other rights violations continue to impede the progress in the HIV response by increasing risk and vulnerability and deterring many people from seeking or obtaining services.
Bishop Akpami noted that, religious leaders have the ability to change the narratives and bridge the knowledge gaps and practices that instigates stigma in the society.
He said, the NGO is working to strengthen the participation of faith communities in the pursuit of social safety for persons living with HIV.
Also, the representative of Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs Mrs Khadijah Oladipupo said, “The Council is working hard to ensure the reduction of HIV prevalence rate among the ummah.”
Also speaking, the secretary General Christian Association of Nigeria CAN Mr. Joseph Daramola noted that CAN is passionate about the fight against HIV and called on government not relent in supporting NGO’s fighting the war.
On his part, the North East Zonal coordinator National Action Committee on AIDS NACA Mr. Tobias John said, religious leaders play significant roles in reducing incidences of stigmatization of persons living with HIV.
He said, “The priority has been shifted to faith-based, so that once we tell people the truth about the reality of HIV, its prevention, treatment, care and support in the light of stigma and discrimination, everybody will have the right knowledge to be able to put an end to these challenges.”
The stakeholders dialogue featured panel discussion on various issues, with Professor Muslih Tayo Yahya of Religious and Philosophy Department University of Jos, giving a lecture on setting agenda at the center of the fight against HIV stigma and Right violations.
