Combating HIV/AIDS Related Stigma in Nigeria, the way forward
HOW do we fight the stigma and discrimination that has become synonymous with HIV/AIDS? How do we show people who are not infected with the virus or affected by it, that those who have been dealt this "bad hand" deserve our compassion? These persons have not committed any sin and even if they did, does God not forgive sinners? Those are but three of the many questions that have been floating around in my mind that we need to address during the fort coming 5TH National HIV/AIDS Conference in Nigeria and at the AIDS 2010, and it has become clear to me that while we need legislation to speak to stigma and discrimination, and that legislation must be the bedrock of the fight against HIV in general, our people must also be educated which we need to champion through people living with HIV and AIDS in Nigeria, For they are the vital organ that has been forgotten both in decision making, planning and implementation of HIV and AIDS activities in Nigeria.
But, you may say we have been educated already, we are bombarded with messages everyday as we drive to work, read the newspaper, listen to the radio and even as we watch television. So what more can be done? While I admit that this is true, I think that the relevant authorities need to go a step further in the education campaign to show people that anyone, black or white; young or old; educated or uneducated can be infected by this virus, and that it is really not something that we should be afraid of contracting when dealing with people on an everyday basis. Undoubtedly, information is readily available to all of us, but until it reaches the hearts and minds of people so as to bring about a change in behaviors that we need, the stigma and discrimination will continue to fester.
I am of the firm belief that one way of combating this is the decentralization of the treatment programme offered by Government to all General hospitals and Health Centers in the country and meaningful involvement of People living with HIV/AIDS both in planning, implementation and monitoring, whereby persons who is HIV positive or who have full blown AIDS can go to any General hospital and health center near by to obtain treatment. I think that would be ideal because no one would be able to look at a person and tell if he or she has HIV/AIDS. This will start to break down the stigma and discrimination barriers that exist, but will also provide a gateway for persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) to feel comfortable when accessing treatment.
Nigeria can combat HIV epidemic when their Government, Donor agencies and stakeholders begin to regard people living with HIV and AIDS which has an umbrella net work known as Network of People living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN) as partners in their effort to achieve sustainable development and mitigate the impact of HIV in the country. There is an urgent need to promote participation of people living with HIV and AIDS in Nigeria in addressing Political, socio-economic and cultural issues to reduce stigma and discrimination among them. Nevertheless, there is a need for a legislative framework that speaks to how we deal with those who discriminate against PLWHA, not only in the workplace, but with respect to housing, education and other social services.
Despite some opposition, I think that a sound legal and policy framework where PLWHA at the end of the day can have some sort of recourse is imperative; this coupled with education is the key. Hearing and knowing is one thing, but feeling it is something else. Often we do not understand what someone is going through until the shoe is on our foot and that need not be. Perhaps, if we were to all just open our minds and our hearts, not just letting the information being disseminated go through one ear and come through the other, but listen, ponder and embrace it, then compassion would come much easier.
As we are preparing for the forth coming 5th National HIV/AIDS Conference in Nigeria, Let us joins our hand and support people living with HIV and AIDS in our country, encourage there meaningful participation in such a National Gathering for they have been relegated to the background yet some of them are the one spreading the virus. Until we learn how to empower them to live a positive life, HIV will continue to move from one person to another young person.
Let us save our future generation. I am suggesting that it was essential that government, donor agencies, top political leadership and ministerial officials should become more directly engaged with people living with HIV and AIDS in trying to control HIV/AIDS, in resolving difficult and enduring policy issues and in directing a truly multi-sector approach. Only high-level national leadership can effectively confront the deep stigma that surrounds people and HIV/AIDS.
Hon. Ibekwe Alexander
Director, Health Link Organization
South East Coordinator, Association of Positive Youth in Nigeria (APYIN)
Chiarman Director of Health National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN)
alexodegreat.tigblog.org, www.apyin.net anambra@apyin.net alexibekwe@gmail.com
Poverty is not Lack of Money, But it is lack of knowledge and Ability. Reject it
But, you may say we have been educated already, we are bombarded with messages everyday as we drive to work, read the newspaper, listen to the radio and even as we watch television. So what more can be done? While I admit that this is true, I think that the relevant authorities need to go a step further in the education campaign to show people that anyone, black or white; young or old; educated or uneducated can be infected by this virus, and that it is really not something that we should be afraid of contracting when dealing with people on an everyday basis. Undoubtedly, information is readily available to all of us, but until it reaches the hearts and minds of people so as to bring about a change in behaviors that we need, the stigma and discrimination will continue to fester.
I am of the firm belief that one way of combating this is the decentralization of the treatment programme offered by Government to all General hospitals and Health Centers in the country and meaningful involvement of People living with HIV/AIDS both in planning, implementation and monitoring, whereby persons who is HIV positive or who have full blown AIDS can go to any General hospital and health center near by to obtain treatment. I think that would be ideal because no one would be able to look at a person and tell if he or she has HIV/AIDS. This will start to break down the stigma and discrimination barriers that exist, but will also provide a gateway for persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) to feel comfortable when accessing treatment.
Nigeria can combat HIV epidemic when their Government, Donor agencies and stakeholders begin to regard people living with HIV and AIDS which has an umbrella net work known as Network of People living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN) as partners in their effort to achieve sustainable development and mitigate the impact of HIV in the country. There is an urgent need to promote participation of people living with HIV and AIDS in Nigeria in addressing Political, socio-economic and cultural issues to reduce stigma and discrimination among them. Nevertheless, there is a need for a legislative framework that speaks to how we deal with those who discriminate against PLWHA, not only in the workplace, but with respect to housing, education and other social services.
Despite some opposition, I think that a sound legal and policy framework where PLWHA at the end of the day can have some sort of recourse is imperative; this coupled with education is the key. Hearing and knowing is one thing, but feeling it is something else. Often we do not understand what someone is going through until the shoe is on our foot and that need not be. Perhaps, if we were to all just open our minds and our hearts, not just letting the information being disseminated go through one ear and come through the other, but listen, ponder and embrace it, then compassion would come much easier.
As we are preparing for the forth coming 5th National HIV/AIDS Conference in Nigeria, Let us joins our hand and support people living with HIV and AIDS in our country, encourage there meaningful participation in such a National Gathering for they have been relegated to the background yet some of them are the one spreading the virus. Until we learn how to empower them to live a positive life, HIV will continue to move from one person to another young person.
Let us save our future generation. I am suggesting that it was essential that government, donor agencies, top political leadership and ministerial officials should become more directly engaged with people living with HIV and AIDS in trying to control HIV/AIDS, in resolving difficult and enduring policy issues and in directing a truly multi-sector approach. Only high-level national leadership can effectively confront the deep stigma that surrounds people and HIV/AIDS.
Hon. Ibekwe Alexander
Director, Health Link Organization
South East Coordinator, Association of Positive Youth in Nigeria (APYIN)
Chiarman Director of Health National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN)
alexodegreat.tigblog.org, www.apyin.net anambra@apyin.net alexibekwe@gmail.com
Poverty is not Lack of Money, But it is lack of knowledge and Ability. Reject it
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