Stakeholders Meet in Lagos to Strengthen Enforcement of HIV/AIDS Anti-Discrimination Act

Stakeholders Meet in Lagos to Strengthen Enforcement of HIV/AIDS Anti-Discrimination Act

LAGOS — Health professionals, human rights advocates, and key stakeholders from across Nigeria have convened in Lagos for a three-day national conference aimed at tackling discrimination against persons living with HIV/AIDS and strengthening the implementation of the HIV and AIDS Anti-Discrimination Act of 2014.

The event, which kicked off on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, is themed "Promoting Legal, Policy, and Institutional Protection of the Rights of Key and Vulnerable Populations in Nigeria." It seeks to address persistent gaps in awareness, enforcement, and justice delivery under the landmark legislation.

Declaring the meeting open, the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr. Tony Ojukwu, SAN, emphasized the significance of the 2014 Act in Nigeria’s commitment to ending stigma and discrimination associated with HIV.

“The HIV and AIDS Anti-Discrimination Act of 2014 is a landmark piece of legislation that prohibits discrimination based on HIV status in employment, education, healthcare, and other public spheres. It guarantees rights to privacy, access to justice, and protection from abuse for people living with HIV,” Dr. Ojukwu said.

He noted, however, that despite the legal protections provided, implementation challenges persist, with many individuals still experiencing discrimination in workplaces, health institutions, schools, and religious settings.

Dr. Ojukwu urged stakeholders to critically review the implementation status of the Act, identify legislative and institutional gaps, and propose actionable strategies to improve enforcement and support for victims of discrimination. He also called for stronger inter-agency collaboration involving ministries, civil society, and development partners to ensure effective rights-based responses.

“Our goal is to develop a comprehensive action plan that addresses structural barriers and legal shortcomings, paving the way for inclusive and rights-respecting policies and practices,” he added.

Also speaking at the conference, Dr. Chukwugozi Ujam, Deputy Director of Community Prevention and Cure Services and Head of the Gender and Human Rights Department at the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), highlighted the strides made by Nigeria in the fight against HIV since the first treatment programs began in 1986.

Dr. Ujam lamented that despite declining prevalence and increased access to treatment, misinformation remains widespread, and complacency is growing. “HIV is being managed, AIDS is largely controlled, but people are beginning to drop their guard. We must continue promoting abstinence, protection, testing, and sustained awareness,” he said.

Commenting on the impact of reduced international funding, particularly by USAID during former President Donald Trump’s administration, Dr. Ujam acknowledged the challenges but affirmed Nigeria’s resolve. “When the United States sneezed, the global system caught a cold. But we’ve taken responsibility. The Federal Ministry of Health has committed significant funding to ensure the continuity of treatment programs, not only for HIV but also for malaria and tuberculosis,” he said.

The conference aims to produce strategic recommendations that will inform future advocacy, policy reforms, and institutional frameworks to eliminate discrimination and uphold the dignity and rights of people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS in Nigeria.