The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) and the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) have called for an end to HIV/AIDS-related stigma and discrimination, warning that these issues continue to hinder prevention, treatment, and care efforts. They stressed that such discrimination remains a major human rights barrier to eradicating the epidemic.
Speaking at a joint press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, the agencies emphasized that addressing stigma is critical to Nigeria’s goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. They lamented that approximately 1.9 million Nigerians are living with HIV, many of whom face discrimination at home, in workplaces, healthcare settings, schools, and even at the policy level.
“As Nigeria joins the Global Partnership for Action to Eliminate All Forms of HIV-Related Stigma and Discrimination, collective efforts are required to ensure meaningful progress,” the agencies stated. Findings from the Nigeria People Living with HIV Stigma Index Survey 2.0 reveal troubling statistics: 2% of respondents reported experiencing stigma, while 10.9% faced human rights abuses. Alarmingly, only one in four sought redress, with many citing a lack of awareness on how to do so or fearing that taking action could lead to the disclosure of their HIV status.
The agencies outlined key priorities for tackling HIV-related stigma, including translating global and national commitments into actionable policies, strengthening partnerships among stakeholders, and leveraging data to drive evidence-based interventions.
Marking Zero Discrimination Day, speakers at the event underscored the real-life consequences of stigma, pointing to cases of children being expelled from school and workers being denied employment due to their HIV status. “What kills people is not the virus, but the way society looks at them,” they stressed.
The newly launched partnership will focus on five critical areas: healthcare, education, workplaces, justice systems, and community settings. With Nigeria’s participation, stakeholders are expected to push for stronger enforcement of the HIV/AIDS anti-discrimination law, which prohibits denying individuals employment or services based on their HIV status.
Despite existing legal frameworks, weak enforcement and cultural biases remain significant hurdles. Advocates insist that achieving real change will require widespread public education, legal reforms, and increased political will.
