Senate passes anti-HIV/AIDS discrimination law

 











THE Senate Thursday  moved to end discrimination against persons living with the Human Immuno Virus (HIV) in the country by passing the HIV and Aids Anti-discrimination Bill.
  The Bill, which was sponsored by Senator Ifeanyi Okowa (Delta North), seeks among other things, to reduce the HIV burden through the prevention of discrimination and stigmatization on the basis of real or perceived HIV status,  encourage voluntary testing and counseling, provide access to treatment as well as reduce risky sex behaviours.
  The new law also protects the rights and dignity of people living with and affected by HIV and AIDS as well as promote appropriate and effective ways of managing the scorge in the workplace, community, institutions and other fields of human endeavours.
  Chairman of the Committee, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, in his presentation, decried  increasing rate of the HIV pandemic.  He stressed that it is one of the most significant challenges to health, development, economic and social progress facing the world today.
  The lawmaker also cautioned that unless proactive measure are taken to address the HIV scourge, it will continue to account for increase in mortality rate in many countries of the world
  He said: "In the countries that are worst affected, including our dear country, Nigeria the impact of HIV and AIDS have eroded decades of development gains, undermined economies and destabilize societies.
  "AIDS is expected to continue to be the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in many countries and populations, including Nigeria unless proactive measures are taken in the implementation of action plans that are workable and friendly, together with advocacy programmes at all levels of society", he said.
  In his remarks,  Senate President, David Mark noted that people with "HIV and AIDS should no longer be afraid to relate with members of the society as according to him, awareness has taken care of discrimination.
  He said: "it is only better that we take care and look after those who are infected rather than discriminate against them".
  In another development, Mark has tasked the Armed forces and other security operatives to close ranks and work in harmony to design a common approach to curbing insurgency in the country.
  The approach , Mark  stated, would go a long way in fighting  insurgents and ending unnecessary bloodshed.
  Addressing participants  at the Executive Management Course 07 of the Institute of Security Studies (ISS),  Mark canvassed the need for synergy  among security agents to end insecurity.
  Blaming the security crises experienced in the country on lack of understanding of democratic processes among Nigerians, the SP noted that only a strong security arrangement can safe guard and defend democracy.
  He said: "The essence of governance is to let people have access to development. Democracy means that everybody is a participant. If we are to tame the lingering insecurity challenges we are facing as a nation, we must work together as one people."
  Commending the Institute for doing a good job in the area of security intelligence and personnel training, Mark urged them to expand their scope in that regard.