The Abia State First Lady, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, has reaffirmed her commitment to fighting stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS in the state. She made this pledge during a meeting with members of the Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria and the Key Population group.¹
Mrs. Otti emphasized the importance of creating a supportive environment free from stigma, stating that “HIV is not a death sentence.” She also revealed plans to implement laws prohibiting discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS in the state, promising collaboration with key stakeholders to ensure their enforcement.
Additionally, Mrs. Otti called on women and youths engaged in commercial sex work to seek alternative opportunities, pledging to initiate skill acquisition programmes aimed at empowering and uplifting them. The Director-General of the Abia State Agency for the Control of AIDS, Dr. Uloaku Emma, disclosed that 46,788 individuals are currently undergoing treatment in the state.
Source: Punch
