Abuja – The Aids HealthCare Foundation (AHF), an NGO, on Wednesday promised to make its summarised version of the HIV Anti-Discrimination Act 2014 and other documents more accessible to policy makers and practitioners.
Dr Adetayo Towolawi, Country Programme Manager of the foundation, said this at the presentation of the document prepared by the foundation in collaboration with National Agency for the Control of Aids (NACA) and UNAIDS in Abuja.
“The primary reason for developing this popular version is to make the document more accessible to policy makers and practitioners who need to understand its essence and support the implementation and monitoring.
“The version was summarised with key sections and provision of the Act while maintaining its integrity and its meaning not altered.
“The document also covers an overview of the law, primary target and important implementation arrangements with penalties for violation,’’ he said.
He said the law applies to all persons living with and affected by HIV and AIDS in Nigeria as well as employers of labour and employees in the public and private sectors.
Towolawi said some of the organisations include Nigeria Armed Forces, Nigeria Police, State Security Services, schools, hospitals and places of worship, among others.
Objectives of the law, he said, include “Eliminating all forms of discrimination based on HIV status.
“Creating a supportive environment so that infected people are able to work under normal conditions as long as they are medically fit.
“Promoting and appropriate and effective ways of managing HIV in work place, community, institutions and other field of human endeavours.
“And creating a balance between rights and responsibilities of all persons in the society.’’
Towolawi further stressed on non-discrimination focusing on the rights of people living with HIV, saying it seeks the responsibility of individuals, community’s and employers to prevent all forms of stigma and discrimination.
The rights, he said, include: “Right to confidentiality, right to employment, welfare benefits, occupational safety.
“Right to appeal and recourse to court and right to compensation if one gets infected at work.’’ (NAN)
