In a bid to address gender and human rights barriers impacting people living with HIV, the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) in partnership with the Global Fund is set to launch an initiative to tackle the prevailing gender and human rights challenges affecting individuals living with the ailment.
NACA, in a press statement at the weekend said the innovative programme slated for October-December 2023 underscores its unwavering commitment to championing and safeguarding the rights and well-being of all people living with HIV, while striving to create a more inclusive and equitable society.
“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 worsens the impact of HIV on affected individuals, perpetuating stigmatization, discrimination and hindering access to vital healthcare services,” the statement added.
The director-general of NACA, Dr. Gambo Aliyu, said; “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.”
The programme, NACA said, will encompass an array of activities, including workshops, webinars, community outreach initiatives and awareness campaigns.
“These initiatives will engage a diverse range of stakeholders, including healthcare providers, civil society organizations, affected individuals, and the broader public,” it added.