Stakeholders have advocated for accelerated and impactful investment in the well-being of women and girls living with HIV. They made this call, yesterday, to commemorate International Women’s Day, organised by the Association of Women Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (ASWHAN).
Executive Secretary, Oyo State Agency for the Control of AIDS (OYSACA), Dr Lanre Abass, noted the legal stance against stigma in Oyo State, emphasized that any form of discrimination or deprivation of rights based on HIV status is prohibited in the state.
Abass noted that empowering women has a cascading effect on families and communities, stressing the need for investing in women’s health and economic empowerment, particularly among those living with HIV.
The National Coordinator, ASWHAN, Esther Hindi, noted the urgent need to provide increased support and resources for women, especially those grappling with HIV.
She expressed the hope that the awareness would enable stakeholders amplify investment programmes such as essential life skills and economic empowerment opportunities to uplift the lives of women and girls affected by HIV.
Hindi called for an end to inequality, emphasising the eradication of gender-based violence, including addressing the unique challenges faced by women living with HIV/AIDS.
The State Coordinator of ASWHAN, Victoria Olagoke, urged religious leaders to refrain from discrimination and instead promote love and support for women living with HIV and their partners.
