Tilova for Africa, a Non-Government Organisation (NGO), has stressed the need for government and public-spirited individuals to support persons living with HIV/AIDS.
The Chairman of the organisation, Mr. Martin Nwabueze, made the call when he led members of the group on a courtesy visit to the Public Complaints Commission (PCC) in Awka on Thursday.
Nwabueze, a US-based Pharmacist, said although Africa and Nigeria in particular made immense progress in the fight against the scourge, it was dangerous to relax the measures that resulted in the success.
He said there was the need to revive and intensify awareness on HIV/AIDS prevention, as well as care for infected persons.
He added that the group’s visit to PCC was to draw attention of the commission to what he described as the “continued discrimination against persons with HIV/AIDS.”
Nwabueze said there was nothing deadly about HIV as it was like any other disease that could be treated if detected on time.
According to him, it is sad that our people still discriminate against HIV patients today in Nigeria and this has led to apathy in the number of persons going for test in recent time.
“The implication is that most people will be carrying the virus without knowing it and the danger is that there is a possibility of a great spike in incidence.
“So we want to call on those who have been discriminated against to challenge it by complaining at the PCC and we want to beg the Commission to ensure that the rights of these people are fully restored,” he said.
Nwabueze said “Tilova for Africa” was also concerned with poverty and unemployment which were the major challenges facing Africa, adding that the Foundation was into Charity to empower households.
He said Tilova for Africa would hold Symposium on April 11 in Awka to sensitise the public on the need to be more careful with HIV/AIDS issues and remedy opportunities for patients.
“At Tilova for Africa, we direct our advocacy towards governments, religious groups and businesses in Africa, pushing them to change or enforce their laws, policies and practices to protect the fundamental human rights of marginalized minorities and the downtrodden,” he said.
In his response, Mr. Charles Ekwunife, Director of Investigation at PCC, Anambra office, commended Tilova for Africa Foundation for their humanitarian job in Nigeria.
Ekwunife said the PCC was an Ombudsman set up by the Federal Government to receive complaints from members of the public for equitable resolution.
He said the Commission is open to receive complaints of victimisation and stigmatisation by anybody, including patients of HIV/AIDS.
