Abia First Lady calls for a stigma-free society for persons living with HIV/AIDS | READ DETAILS

Abia First Lady calls for a stigma-free society for persons living with HIV/AIDS | READ DETAILS

Her Excellency, Mrs Priscilla Otti, the First Lady of Abia State, has advocated for a society where persons living with HIV/AIDS will not be reproached, rather embraced.

Speaking while meeting with the Abia State chapters 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 of the state, the First Lady admonished on the need for HIV/AIDS patients to give themselves a second chance by taking their medication judiciously and not allow inferiority complex to come in play.

Mrs Otti assured that the present administration is out to combat the spread of HIV/AIDS, give succor to patients and improve lives through empowerment and other means of showing support.

In her words;

“I am encouraged by the progress we are making to suppress the spread of the disease, but we must do more to prevent new infections and ensure a stigma-free society. This administration is dedicated to supporting every group in Abia State, including those living with HIV/AIDS”.

 

Mrs. Otti also announced plans to collaborate with key stakeholders to prioritize laws prohibiting discrimination and stigmatisation of people living with HIV/AIDS in Abia.

 

According to Dr. Uloaku Emma, Director General of the Abia State Agency for the Control of AIDS, 46,788 individuals are currently undergoing treatment in the state.

The Director assured that the agency is committed to eradicating stigma, noting that it is a critical step in achieving zero new infections.

Highlight of the meeting was donation of bags of rice and cash gift to the attendees.