Group tackles HIV stigma, discrimination

The Association of Women Living with HIV in Nigeria (ASWHAN) has said that group discussion and sharing of ideas can improve the quality of life of people living with the virus.The Advocacy Officer of the group, Mrs Esther James, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at the weekend that ideas-sharing could help in addressing issues of stigma, discrimination and self-denial.She said the group usually mobilised women to engage policy makers, law enforcement agencies, civil society groups in policy initiative among others.James said, however, that it was also designed to encourage women who were HIV positive to come out and speak on issues affecting them in the society instead of hiding.'It was also designed to encourage other women who are positive to join support groups where they could meet people of like minds and get latest information on HIV and how to live positively,' she said.The advocacy officer explained that such programmes could also reduce stigma and strengthen the networks to influence decision affecting the lives of people living with the virus.James said the group had organised a stakeholder's forum to reawaken the interest of people and also to agitate for the passage of the Anti-Discrimination Bill.``The group is looking forward to mobilising NGOs, CSOs, NACA, FBOs, labour, network of people living with HIV and others, to be part of this first forum with regard to stigma and discrimination issues in Nigeria.``This bill has since been with the National Assembly and after the first hearing, no one heard of it till 2009.``Following the interaction at the forum, stakeholders, especially government, are beginning to pay attention to the state of the bill and the association is also getting recognition from NACA as a key player in the fight against HIV/AIDS,'' she said.
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