Abia First Lady Vows to Involve Legislation and End Stigmatization of HIV/AIDS Patients as 46,788 Undergo Treatment in the State
On HIV/AIDS prevalence in Nigeria, Abia state is currently ranking 6th as 46,788 people, according to ABSACA, are undergoing treatment.
Following the statistics shared by Abia State Agency for the Control of AIDS, ABSACA through its director-Uloaku Emma, said they are working tirelessly to ensure that no new infection surfaces.
The information and figure was shared during a meeting with the wife of the Governor, Mrs Priscilla Chidinma Otti, on Tuesday.
During the speech, Mrs Uloaku reiterated the agency’s commitment in eliminating stigma on persons living with HIV/AIDS.
However, Mrs Otti made known her stand saying that HIV/AIDS is not a death sentence. She went ahead to say that she is going to commit herself to improve the lives of people living with this disease.
Addressing NEPWAN, Mrs Otti condemned the stigma that people living with HIV/AIDS face stating her resolve to provide hope for the affected persons.
Furthermore, the Governor’s wife made known her intentions to collaborate with stakeholders to make laws that will prohibit discrimination or stigmatization of affected persons. She called on all other people in the state to work together with her to stop new infection and urged those in commercial sex work to seek new opportunities.
She also promised to initiate skill acquisition programs to empower and lift victims of HIV/AIDS.
Related: Gov. Otti Set To Build New Airport In Abia State, Begins Community Engagement
