Stakeholders calls for legislation to curb stigmatization, discrimination against people living with HIV in Kogi

Stakeholders at a one-day start-up meeting and capacity building for stakeholders on improving capacity of policy makers on stigma and discrimination issues in HIV and Aide have said that there is the urgent need for the passage and accent to law of a legislation to promote and protect the Rights of Persons Living with HIV in Kogi State.

This was contained in a Communique signed by Hamza Aliyu Executive Director, INGRA and Issued at the end of the 1-day start-up meeting and capacity building for stakeholders on improving capacity of policy makers on stigma and discrimination issues in HIV and Aids through the proposed anti-stigmatization legislation in Kogi State

The meeting was organized by Initiarive For Grassroot Advancement In Nigeria (INGRA) with support from the Aids Healthcare Foundation (AHF). held on Thursday 15th February 2024 at Reverton Hotel Lokoja, Kogi

The communique stated further that the current modalities where HIV response occurs as a stand-alone service in the healthcare facilities was discriminatory, saying that the Government must take immediate actions to integrate it into the Out Patient Department (OPD) of the facility service provision.

In addition, stakeholders called on the Kogi State House of Assembly under the leadership of Rt Hon. Umar Aliyu to work with stakeholders to pass the Anti-Stigma and Discrimination Bill to provide safety nets for PLHIV in the State.

The communique which read in part maintained that “Religious and Traditional leaders must use their positions in the community to build support and resilience of citizens against Stigma and discrimination especially in HIV cases.

“INGRA, working with other stakeholders, should immediately make necessary arrangements to place before the 9th Assembly a Bill for the protection and promotion of Rights of Persons Living with HIV in Kogi State.

“That schools and places of employment must desist from infringement of Rights of Citizens by requesting for their HIV status.

The communique in full

STATE.BACKGROUND:

The 1-Day Meeting was aimed at sensitizing HIV stakeholders in the Kogi State HIV Response on the effects of stigma and discrimination in achieving the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets and reaching the 2030 goal of ending HIV as a public health issue.

This becomes imperative considering that data available shows that Nigeria was among countries not currently on track to reach these targets if urgent and cogent actions are not implemented.

One of such action is the institutionalization of legal frameworks for the promotion and protection of rights of Persons Living with HIV (PLHIV) in particular and citizens in general. These rights include especially the right to privacy and protection and dignity.

The meeting had in attendance stakeholders from the Treatment, Care and Support themes in HIV Implementing Partners, Media, Civil Society Organizations, Patient Community, Religious and Traditional leaders and government coordinating Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

The meeting featured Plenary Discussions, Paper presentation, Question and Answer sessions and communique development and dissemination.

OBSERVATION:

The meeting observed the following issues:

That Nigeria and Kogi State HIV Response was largely Donor dependent and not sustainable going forward.

That Kogi state with a 0.9% population prevalence of HIV, had over 40,000 persons living with the virus

That Nigeria was not on track to achieve the 95-95-95 UNAIDS targets and 2030 Agenda.

That donor organizations have been able to put on treatment over 37,000 persons.

Stigma especially self-stigma, was among the factors that prevent vulnerable population from accessing healthcare.

Stigma and discrimination was pervasive in all sectors of the State especially in the Health, Education, and Employment sectors.

Kogi State was among 18 States in Nigeria that have not passed the Anti Stigma laws protecting the rights of PLHIV and other vulnerable populations.

That despite the collective efforts by stakeholders during previous State Assemblies, the Anti Stigma Bill is yet to become a law in the State.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

After deliberations, stakeholders agreed to the following recommendations

That there is the urgent need for the passage and accent to law of a legislation to promote and protect the Rights of Persons Living with HIV in Kogi State.

That the current modalities where HIV response occurs as a stand-alone service in our healthcare facilities was discriminatory, the Government must take immediate actions to integrate it into the Out Patient Department (OPD) of the facility service provision.

Kogi State House of Assembly under the leadership of Rt Hon. Umar Aliyu should immediately work with stakeholders to pass the Anti-Stigma and Discrimination Bill to provide safety nets for PLHIV in the State.

Religious and Traditional leaders must use their positions in the community to build support and resilience of citizens against Stigma and discrimination especially in HIV cases.

INGRA, working with other stakeholders, should immediately make necessary arrangements to place before the 9th Assembly a Bill for the protection and promotion of Rights of Persons Living with HIV in Kogi State.

That schools and places of employment must desist from infringement of Rights of Citizens by requesting for their HIV status.

The meeting ended with appreciation to INGRA and AHF for carrying out the campaign to pass the Anti-Stigma and Discrimination Law in Kogi State.

Hamza Aliyu Executive Director, INGRA