The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has passed into law a Bill to Prohibit the Stigmatization and Discrimination against Persons Living with HIV/AIDS and to regulate the practice of counseling and testing.
The bill was passed following the presentation of a report by the House Committee on Health.
The committee observed that the bill when passed would safeguard the constitutional right of persons living with HIV/AIDS, enhance early detection of the virus as well as strengthen enlightenment efforts of government.
The Speaker, Udeme Otong directed the Clerk, Mrs NsikakAbasi Orok to relate the resolution of the House to the state governor for his assent.
Reacting, the State Project Manager of Akwa Ibom State Agency for the Control of AIDS (AKSACA), Dr Enobong Akpan expressed gratitude to key stakeholders who played different roles in ensuring the passage of the law.
He said the anti-stigma law would engender inclusive and supportive environment for individuals living with HIV/AIDS, thereby enhancing their dignity and overall quality of life.
Akpan expressed optimism that Governor Umo Eno will assent to the law as soon as possible.
“As this bill is set to be forwarded to His Excellency the Governor for assent, we are confident that, given his passionate advocacy for health and well-being, he will act swiftly in endorsing this vital legislation.
“The importance of this bill cannot be overstated; it represents a crucial advancement in fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for individuals living with HIV/AIDS,” he said.