Coalition Urges Speedy Passage Of Anti-Stigma Bill

The Coalition of Civil So
ciety Networks on HIV and AIDs, had urged the Ogun State House of Assembly to ensure the speedy passage of the Anti-Stigma Bill.
The State Coordinator of the group, Mr Tola Adenekan, who  made this call in an interview with the press recently in Abeokuta said that the passage of the bill would go a long way in meeting the yearnings and aspirations of people living with the virus in the state.
He said HIV and AIDS related stigma and discrimination, constitute one of the greatest barriers in effectively addressing the virus, adding “stigma deters individual’s from finding out about their HIV status and also discourages those who know they are infected, from sharing their diagnosis and seeking treatment for themselves.
“Stigma inhibits open and honest communication, and makes disclosure within the family, difficult. “Stigma and discrimination in Ogun occur in the places of work, health care facilities, religious circles, community and the private sector,” he said.
While lauding the executive and legislative arms of government in the state for coming up with people-oriented programmes and bills, he said the state needed adequate legislation to protect the rights of People Living Positive and other vulnerable groups.