A bill for a law to provide against all forms of discrimination and to give protection, access to support and care to all persons living with HIV and affected by AIDS in Anambra State and other related matters have scale through second reading.
Angel Network News (ANN) reports that
the Deputy Minority Leader, Hon. Nobel Igwe who sponsored the bill, while speaking on its importance and objective
at plenary on Tuesday, frowned at the
discrimination faced by persons living with HIV/AIDS.
Hon. Igwe, the member representing Ogbaru one Constituency stated the bill is working towards ensuring that those with HIV/AIDS are given sense of belonging.
“Having HIV/AIDS is not a death sentence. Someone can have it and still leave a normal life and perform his or her duty diligently. Hence, their is no need to discriminate them’.
Speaking in support of the bill, Deputy Minority Leader Hon. Jude Akpua,
Hon. Ejike Okechukwu (Anaocha two), Hon. Tony Muobike (Aguata two), Hon. Jude Umennajiego (Onitsha South two)
Hon. Chidi Ibemeka (Njikoka one), Hon. Obi Nweke (Anambra East), Hon. Paul Obu (Orumba North), Hon. Bernard Udemezue (Ayamelum), Hon. Golden Ilo (Ihiala two) and Majority Leader Hon. Ikenna Ofodeme in their separate speeches stated that the bill is timely.
“This law will protect the rights and dignity of those affected by eliminating all forms of discrimination.
” It will also create a supportive environment for people living with HIV and AIDS. It will also promote effective ways of managing HIV at work, community, institution and other fields of human endeavors.
“We are encouraging everyone to check their HIV status for them to know if they are invected or not.
” If people realize that their status are protected, they will feel comfortable to come out. Most of those who died, was as a result of trauma and discrimination’. The lawmakers submitted.
Anambra Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze who presided plenary referred the bill the House Committee on Health, Chaired by Hon. Tony Muobike.
