The Abia State Government says it is in the process of domesticating the Anti-Stigma and Discrimination Law as part of efforts to strengthen its HIV/AIDS response in the state.
The Director General of the Abia State Agency for the Control of HIV/AIDS (ABSACA), Dr. Uloaku Ukaegbu, disclosed this while receiving a briefing report from the Victorian Clarion Foundation, a community-led monitoring group on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria operating in local government areas in Abia South.
Dr. Ukaegbu reiterated the state government’s commitment to improving HIV/AIDS response, noting that the community-led monitoring initiative involving the Victorian Clarion Foundation has produced significant results in identifying gaps and generating ideas to enhance the state’s response to the disease.
She explained that the agency would work towards addressing the gaps identified by the monitoring group, including the re-initiation of facility-based support groups. She also expressed satisfaction with the work being carried out by the monitoring teams, describing them as experienced and committed.
Earlier, the Executive Director of the Victorian Clarion Foundation and leader of the community-led monitoring group, Mrs. Loveth Onyendilefu, said the team visited the agency to provide feedback on their field findings and discuss ways to address the gaps identified.
She explained that the monitoring group is currently working across seven local government areas in Abia South.
Also speaking, the State Programme and Monitoring and Evaluation Lead on the GC7 Project for the Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria, Chief Whyte Ikocha, who led the advocacy team, said sharing their field findings with stakeholders would help address challenges such as delays in accessing HIV, malaria and tuberculosis treatment at health facilities, as well as issues of stigma and discrimination.
In his remarks, the Programme Officer for the community-based monitoring initiative, Mr. Joseph Anosike, acknowledged the progress recorded so far and commended the Director General of ABSACA and the Abia State Government for their continued support.
The monitoring group also presented its findings to the Coordinator of the State AIDS and STIs Control Programme (SASCP), Dr. Kelechi Umende, who assured them of the programme’s support in addressing the identified gaps.
