The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr. Tony Ojukwu,has reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to promoting a rights-based response to HIV in Nigeria, with a strong focus on ending stigma and discrimination.
Dr. Ojukwu made this declaration in Lagos at a three-day stakeholders’ meeting dedicated to reviewing the implementation of the HIV and AIDS Anti-Discrimination Act, 2014. The meeting brought together key actors in the HIV response, including representatives from government agencies, civil society organizations, and international development partners.
Despite the enactment of the landmark legislation over a decade ago, Dr. Ojukwu noted that enforcement remained a challenge, especially within critical institutions. He called for renewed efforts to bridge these enforcement gaps through multi-sector 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 stated.
The Executive Secretary emphasized that under the Global Fund’s initiative, efforts must be intensified to foster inclusivity, protect affected populations, and promote a human rights approach to health services.
In her remarks, the Director General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Dr. Temitope Ilori, stressed the importance of strengthening local production of HIV-related commodities and sustaining treatment programs in the face of dwindling foreign aid.
She also highlighted the need to scale up HIV prevention campaigns and testing services. According to her, the participation of key ministries and support from global health stakeholders remains vital to achieving the nation’s HIV response goals.
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.
