By George Ozalla
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has reiterated its dedication to promoting a rights-based approach to addressing HIV in Nigeria, emphasizing the need to end stigma and discrimination. Dr. Tony Ojukwu, Secretary of the NHRC, made this declaration at a stakeholders’ meeting in Lagos, highlighting the importance of protecting the rights of people living with HIV.
The meeting, which brought together government agencies, civil society organizations, and international development partners, reviewed the implementation of the HIV and AIDS Anti-Discrimination Act, 2014. Despite the law’s enactment over a decade ago, Dr. Ojukwu noted that enforcement remains a challenge, particularly within critical institutions.
To address these gaps, Dr. Ojukwu called for increased collaboration and policy reform. “We must ensure that the rights of persons living with HIV are protected at every level. The law exists, but its effectiveness lies in consistent implementation and enforcement,” he emphasized.
The Director General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Dr. Temitope Ilori, also highlighted the need to strengthen local production of HIV-related commodities, sustain treatment programs, and scale up HIV prevention campaigns and testing services.
The forum concluded with a joint resolution to close existing legislative and policy gaps, while reinforcing partnerships across health, justice, and human rights sectors to uphold dignity, equality, and non-discrimination in the national HIV response.
