Lagos: The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has highlighted that the ongoing battle against HIV in Nigeria is being significantly hindered by persistent stigma, with millions requiring sustained treatment and support. The assertion was made by Dr. Temitope Ilori, Director-General of NACA, during a Zero Stigma-Sensitisation Against Discrimination of People Living with HIV (PLWHIV) event in Ikeja, Lagos State.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dr. Ilori, represented by Raheem Mohammed, South West Zonal Coordinator at NACA, emphasized that stigma continues to be a major barrier in national and state efforts to eliminate HIV/AIDS, which is essential for achieving epidemic control. The campaign, executed in collaboration with GEDERITE Nigeria Ltd., the Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA), and Improved Sexual Health and Right Advocacy Initiative (ISHRAI), aims to foster safer and more inclusive environments for people living with HIV.
Ilori revealed that Nigeria has 1.9 million people living with HIV/AIDS, with Lagos State alone accounting for 1.3 million. As a commercial and population hub, Lagos remains a critical priority in HIV response due to its significant number of individuals requiring sustained prevention, treatment, and support services.
In addressing the stigma issue, Ilori noted that it deters individuals from seeking care and support due to fears of rejection, loss of employment, and social exclusion. She stressed the importance of early testing and consistent treatment to suppress the virus and prevent transmission. The initiative aims to enhance public understanding of HIV transmission and prevention, promoting acceptance and inclusion while strengthening community support systems.
The NACA D-G called for a broad coalition involving communities, traditional and religious leaders, health workers, the media, families, and caregivers to combat stigma and discrimination. This effort is crucial for improving the uptake of HIV testing, treatment, and other services.
Dr. Folakemi Animashaun, CEO of LSACA, announced that Lagos State is revising a 2007 law to better protect people living with HIV, aiming to close gaps in legal protection and align with current best practices. Stigma and discrimination persist across society, impacting various sectors including workplaces, schools, markets, and places of worship.
Animashaun urged government agencies, employers, and community leaders to demonstrate zero tolerance for stigma by ensuring non-discriminatory services and respectful language. The campaign seeks to convey a clear message that discrimination against people living with HIV has no place in society, emphasizing that HIV is not a death sentence.
Ms. Monica Obi, representing the Network of People Living with HIV in Nigeria, Lagos State chapter, urged for an end to HIV-related stigma, highlighting how discrimination drives pregnant women away from testing and treatment. She stressed the need for collective action to ensure future generations are HIV-free.