CurrentReport Blog In a recent revelation, Ibrahim Anate, the Acting Executive Secretary of the Kogi State Agency on HIV/AIDS (KOSACA), announced that over 50,000 people are living with HIV/AIDS in Kogi State. This information was disclosed during a one-day stakeholders dialogue held in Lokoja on Monday.
Treatment and Abandonment
Anate highlighted that out of the total number of individuals living with HIV in Kogi State, 36,066 are currently receiving treatment. However, over 19,000 people have not shown up for treatment or counseling. This alarming statistic underscores a significant challenge in the fight against HIV/AIDS in the region.
Stigmatization and Discrimination
The issue of stigmatization and discrimination against people living with HIV is a critical factor contributing to the reluctance of many individuals to declare their status. Anate criticized certain health facilities in Kogi State for allegedly discriminating against people living with HIV, stating, “This is what we have been trying to fight against in Kogi State. We are looking forward to a situation where the same nurse or doctor will attend to all patients at the hospital irrespective of their HIV status.”
Global and National Context
Anate further noted that Nigeria has seen 170,000 new HIV infection cases, while globally, there are 40 million new cases. These numbers are alarming and call for immediate action to address the underlying issues of stigma and discrimination.
Call for Legislative and Religious Support
Expressing optimism, Anate urged Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to sign the anti-HIV stigmatization bill into law. He also called on religious leaders to champion the campaign against HIV stigmatization in Kogi State. In her remarks, Amber Erinmwinhe, the Executive Secretary of Ninerela+ Nigeria, reiterated the organization’s commitment to ending HIV stigmatization and gender-based violence in Nigeria. She emphasized, “HIV is not a death sentence. Many PLHIV have lost their lives because of fear, stigma, and discrimination.”
Stakeholders Meeting
The stakeholders meeting aimed to set an agenda for a faith-based response to stigma and gender justice in the context of HIV. Organized by Ninerela+ Nigeria with support from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Center for Integrated Health Program, the event underscored the need for a concerted effort to combat HIV/AIDS-related stigma.
