The Nation Newspaper

Tag: PLWHAs

  • Ondo warns PLWHAs against spread of AIDS

    The Ondo State government yesterday warned People Living With HIV/AIDS (PLWHAs) against the spread of the disease, vowing that anybody caught would be jailed.

    The government said the decision was in line with the HIV’AIDS Anti-stigma law, which prescribed a 10-year jail term, fine of N500, 000 or both for any person who by whatever means transmits HIV/AIDS to another person.

    Explaining details of the law, which was signed last year, the Secretary to the State Government and Chairman, State Agency for the Control of AIDS (OSACA), Dr. Aderotimi Adelola, said the stigmatisation and discrimination discouraged individuals infected with the HIV virus.

    Besides, he said anybody who discriminates against PLWHAs commits an offence and is liable to a fine of N100, 000.00 or imprisonment of six months or both.

    Dr Adelola, who spoke at a sensitisation programme organised by OSACA in Akure, said:  “Most times the rights of PLWHAs are violated, causing them to suffer both the burden of the disease and the consequential loss of other rights.

    “Stigmatisation and discrimination may obstruct their access to treatment and affect their employment, housing and other rights.”

    Commissioner for Information Kayode Akinmade said Ondo is the first state to have a law which addresses many aspects of HIV/AIDS.

    He said the law would help reduce the rate of HIV/AIDS transmission.

  • Ogun fetes 50 PLWHAs

    The Ogun State Agency for the Control of AIDS (OGSACA), and Catholic Centre for Life have empowered 50 Persons Living With HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) with skills and tools to enable them become economically self-sustaining.

    The beneficiaries got vocational equipment, including hair-dressing kits, computers and other accessories for those trained in graphic designs.

    At the presentation of the equipment at the Catholic Centre for Life, Ijebu – Ode, the Director of OGSACA, Olatunbosun Fatungashe, said the gesture was to ensure that the vulnerable were given opportunities to survive.

    Fatungashe added that no fewer than 15 society organisations have benefitted from the World Bank Assisted projects.

    According to him, one of the ways to PLWHAs by empowering them.

  • Yobe passes bill on PLWHAs

    Yobe State House of Assembly is seeking tougher measures to protect Persons Living With HIV/AIDS (PLWHAs).

    The Committee on Health yesterday held a public hearing on a bill to protect PLWHAs from discrimination and stigmatisation at work places, homes etc.

    The bill also seeks to define the duties of the state on how to involve the victims and allocate funds for their treatment.

    Committee Chairman Mohammed Gamcho Tella described the bill as important, saying HIV/AIDS could be tamed with proactive measures.

     

  • ‘Stop stigmitisaton of PLWHAs’

    ‘Stop stigmitisaton of PLWHAs’

    The National Coordinator of Nasfat Health and HIV/AID Initiative (NAAHAI), Mrs. Nimat Aroworamimo, has urged Nigerians to stop discriminating against People Living With HIV/AIDS (PLWHAs).

    Mrs. Aroworamimo, who spoke at the World AIDS day organised by NASFAT in Lagos, said the organisation had embarked on sensitisation of its members.

    She said: “We have adopted many ways to sensitise our members on how to live with PLWHAs.

    “For instance, if any of our members want to get married, we advise them to go for the test and know their status. We also educate our teenagers on the need to know their status.”