Juliet Jacob Ochenje
The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) and the Global Fund have resolved to partner in combating Gender and Human Rights (GHR) barriers in the fight against HIV in Nigeria.
According to the Director General of NACA, Gambo Aliyu, the effort is to ensure equal rights and opportunities for all individuals affected by HIV.
He stated: “The journey towards curbing the spread of HIV and enhancing the quality of life for those affected is plagued by a multitude of obstacles, including gender-based discrimination and human rights infringements.
“These barriers worsen the impact of HIV on affected individuals, perpetuating stigmatisation, and discrimination, and hindering access to vital healthcare services.
“People living with, vulnerable to, or affected by HIV are entitled to enjoyment of all human rights and exercising equal participation in civil, political, social, economic and cultural life, without prejudice, stigma or discrimination of any kind.
“Unfortunately, these people are either unaware of their rights and responsibilities or lack the capability to seek redress when necessary, thus, the need for the sensitisation and popularisation of the availability and pertinence of the provisions of access to justice as it pertains to human rights, gender-based violence, and the national HIV & AIDS response.”
