10 hours Ago By Our Reporters
Patrick Odey The lawmaker representing Ibiono Ibom Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Moses Essien, has decried the prevalence of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus in the state. He expressed concern over the latest report of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS, which placed the state third in HIV prevalence after Rivers and Benue. According to the NACA report, the state has 161,597 HIV cases.
Speaking at a three-day stakeholders’ sensitisation and technical meeting held in Uyo on Friday, Essien, who is the Chairman, House of Assembly Committee on Health, said there was a need to step up the fight against HIV/AIDS in the state. He disclosed that a bill aimed at protecting people living with HIV/AIDS from stigmatisation and discrimination in the state would soon be assented to by the state governor, Umo Eno, saying it has been passed by the Assembly. “When signed into law, this legislation will protect the rights and dignity of persons living with HIV/AIDS and prohibit discrimination in public institutions such as schools, churches, markets, and workplaces,” he stated.
The lawmaker expressed optimism that the bill would significantly reduce the stigma often faced by HIV-positive individuals, which he described as a major barrier in the fight against the virus. He further stated that with legislative backing and sustained community enlightenment, the state could create a more friendly environment that encourages disclosure of status, care, and support. Copyright PUNCH All rights reserved.
This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH. Contact: [email protected] Tags ##Akwa Ibom State Akwa Ibom HIV prevalence rate Akwa Ibom State Government Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly HIV/AIDS Lawmaker NACA.
