- Abia First Lady, Mrs Priscilla Otti, pledges to fight against HIV/AIDS stigma and discrimination across the state
- Plans unveiled for skill acquisition programmes and laws to protect the rights of people living with HIV/AIDS
- Advocacy efforts and partnerships with NEPWHAN aim to suppress HIV spread and ensure inclusivity
The wife of the Abia State Governor, Mrs Priscilla Otti, has reiterated her dedication to eradicating the stigma and discrimination faced by people living with HIV/AIDS in the state.
Speaking during a meeting with members of the Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN) and the Key Population (KP) group at her residence in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area, Mrs Otti reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to advocacy, empowerment, and creating a supportive, stigma-free environment for those affected.
“HIV is not a death sentence,” Mrs Otti stated, urging people living with HIV/AIDS to seek treatment and reject societal prejudice.
“We are making progress in suppressing the spread of the disease, but we must do more to prevent new infections and ensure a stigma-free society.”
As part of her efforts, the governor’s wife announced plans to implement and enforce laws that prohibit discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS in Abia State.
She pledged to collaborate with key stakeholders to uphold these legal protections.
“Our initiative signifies a bold step towards building an inclusive and compassionate society where no one feels left behind due to their health status,” Mrs Otti said.
In a bid to empower women and youths engaged in commercial sex work, Mrs Otti revealed plans to introduce skill acquisition programmes that will provide alternative opportunities and uplift vulnerable individuals.
The Director-General of the Abia State Agency for the Control of AIDS (ABSACA), Dr Uloaku Emma, highlighted the progress made in the fight against HIV/AIDS, with 46,788 individuals currently undergoing treatment in the state. However, she emphasised that eliminating stigma remains crucial to achieving zero new infections.
Representatives from NEPWHAN and the KP group, including National Secretary Mr Joseph Anosike and State Coordinator Mr Agbai Okali, expressed gratitude for Mrs Otti’s intervention.
They called for sustainable support through job creation and ongoing sensitisation campaigns to address vulnerabilities and combat the virus effectively.
The meeting concluded with the distribution of bags of rice and cash donations to attendees, symbolising the state government’s commitment to improving the lives of people living with HIV/AIDS.
Mrs Otti’s efforts are aligned with the broader goal of the Abia State government to foster an inclusive society and ensure that no one is marginalised due to their health status.
The First Lady’s initiatives underscore the importance of public-private collaboration in achieving these objectives, paving the way for a brighter future for those affected by HIV/AIDS in the state.
2024 World AIDS Day: FCT places over 61,000 people on HIV treatment
Meanwhile, TheRadar previously reported that the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) announced that it has successfully placed 61,384 people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) on treatment.
Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary for Health Services and Environment Secretariat, FCT Administration, revealed this at a press conference held on Monday, December 2, in Abuja to commemorate the 2024 World AIDS Day.
