AIDS Foundation partners lawmakers to end stigmatisation

Anon-governmental organization AIDS HealthCare Foundation, AHF, Nigeria, seeks the support of lawmakers to help in the fight against HIV/AIDS with emphasis on stigmatisation.

Members of the foundation who met with the House Committee on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Control (ATMC), at the National Assembly presented packs of condom along with it dispensers to be placed at strategic locations in the parliamentary building.

The committee chairman, Hon. David Ombugadu, said they are impressed with AHF’s work in Nigeria. As such, they are ready to help improve the tempo on the awareness campaign.

Ombugadu said “We are ready to partner and support them. Our doors are open to work with them anytime.”

He called for a workshop whereby lawmakers concerned will be educated on the best practices in the fight against the disease.

Hon. Ohiozojeh Peter Akpatason of Akoko-Edo constituency said, “Government alone cannot do everything so they need the support of development partners.”

He enjoined Nigerians to embrace the reality to help in the fight saying “If people keep running away from the reality you end up finding people in situations that gets people into trouble.”

The foundation’s spokesman, Steve Aborisade said the organization is noted for quality care across the globe and that the acceptance by the committee will go a long way in curbing the disease.

He explained that stigmatization of people living with HIV/AIDS has been a major challenge in the fight.

He said the use of condom can help in preventing the disease. “We use our programming to speak to young people about abstinence,” he noted.

AHF is in six states of Nigeria and offers free medical care and drugs to persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA).