A Civil Society Organization , Initiative for Grassroot Advancement in Nigeria, (INGRA) has appealed to Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to accent to the HIV Anti-Stigma Bill passed by the State House of Assembly to ensure the rights of the over 300 people living with HIV/AIDS in the state.
The Executive Director, INGRA
Hamza Aliyu made the appeal on Thursday in Lokoja at a one day media roundtable dialogue aimed at advancing the HIV stigma bill and addressing issues around the stigma reduction.
Aliyu who explained that the objective of the bill when accented to by the Governor, said it would prevent new infections and would also help to prevent stigmatization.
According to him, the law which is broad based, would protect the rights and dignity of HIV affected person and eliminate all forms of discrimination.
He said that the law creates supportive environment for people living with HIV and AIDs as well as create a safe and working environment for affected person.
Aliyu who added that the law also gives an employer the right to take an affirmative action on requirements for a job also noted that it would provide penalty for non compliance with the law.
