The First Lady of Abia State, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, reaffirmed her dedication to combating the stigma and discrimination faced by people living with HIV/AIDS in the state.
Mrs. Otti made this commitment on Tuesday during a meeting with members of the Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN) and the Key Population (KP) group at her residence in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area.
She underscored her administration’s focus on improving the lives of those living with HIV/AIDS through advocacy, empowerment initiatives, and fostering a supportive, stigma-free environment.
“HIV is not a death sentence,” Mrs. Otti stated, encouraging affected individuals to embrace treatment and reject societal prejudice.
“We are making progress in suppressing the spread of the disease, but we must do more to prevent new infections and ensure a stigma-free society,” she added.
The First Lady announced plans to introduce and enforce laws prohibiting discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS in the state, pledging collaboration with key stakeholders to ensure their successful implementation.
“Our initiative signifies a bold step towards building an inclusive and compassionate society where no one feels left behind due to their health status,” she emphasized.
Mrs. Otti also urged women and youths engaged in commercial sex work to explore alternative livelihoods, promising to establish skill acquisition programs designed to empower and uplift them.
Dr. Uloaku Emma, Director-General of the Abia State Agency for the Control of AIDS, revealed that 46,788 individuals are currently receiving treatment in the state.
She highlighted the critical importance of eradicating stigma to achieve zero new infections.
Representatives from NEPWHAN and the KP group, including National Secretary Mr. Joseph Anosike and State Coordinator Mr. Agbai Okali, expressed gratitude for Mrs. Otti’s intervention.
They called for sustained support through job creation and ongoing sensitization to address vulnerabilities and combat the virus.
The event concluded with the distribution of bags of rice and cash donations to attendees, symbolizing the government’s commitment to supporting people living with HIV/AIDS in Abia State.
