Olusegun Ariyo
The Akwa Ibom State Agency for the Control of AIDS (AKSACA) with the United Nations Population Fund(UNFPA) have set up an HIV Gender and Human Rights State Response Team in the state.
This came following the passing into law a Bill prohibiting the Stigmatization and Discrimination against Persons Living with HIV/AIDS by the State House of Assembly.
The program manager of AKSACA, Dr Enobong Akpan who is also the chairman of the committee pledged the team’s commitment to creating an environment where every individual, regardless of their HIV status, is treated with respect and dignity.
He said the committee was not formed for mere administrative actions but to dismantle the barriers that have hindered access to vital health services for people living with HIV and foster an inclusive society.
According to him, “The formation of this State Response Team is not merely an administrative action; it symbolizes our collective commitment to dismantling the barriers of stigma and discrimination that have too long hindered access to vital health services for many.
“It is imperative that we elevate the voices of marginalized communities, ensuring that their experiences and concerns inform our policies and practices. Together, we will work diligently to create an environment where every individual, regardless of their HIV status, is treated with respect and dignity.’
Also, Dr Idayat Uthman of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), in a goodwill message expressed hope that in no distant time, the HIV Anti stigmatization and discrimination law will be assented to by the governor, Pastor Umo Eno.
Uthman who noted the high number of human rights violations especially among people living with HIV and AIDS in the state regretted that most times nothing comes out of it because there was no law in place to punish offenders saying with the law assented to, there would be significant difference.
She charged the committee to come up with proper reporting structures for all the human rights violations in the state even as she pledged UNAIDS’ resolve to support Akwa Ibom State to ensure the state eventually ends AIDs by 2030.
