September 30, (THEWILL) – The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly (AKHA) today passed a Bill to prohibit stigmatization against persons living with HIV/AIDS and to regulate the practice of HIV/AIDS counseling and testing in the state.
This followed a report by the chairman, House Committee on Health, Hon (Elder) Udeme Otong, member representing Abak State Constituency during the plenary session on Thursday.
The report, entitled “A Bill for a law to Prohibit Stigmatization and Discrimination Against People Living with HIV/AIDS and to Regulate the Practice of HIV/AIDS Counseling and Testing and for other Matters Connected therewith” seeks to protect the rights and dignity of persons living with HIV/AIDS.
According to the committee chairman, the Bill will eliminate all forms of stigmatization and discrimination against persons living with HIV/AIDS and create a supportive environment for them to work under normal conditions for as long as they are medically fit.
The Bill will protect the medical status or information of people living with HIV/AIDS and also guarantee equal opportunities in employment, public accommodation and transportation.
Also, it will remove all forms of barriers to HIV/AIDS prevention, testing, treatment and support services to persons living with the disease as well as improve their emotional and psychological wellbeing.
After considering the report, the Bill was read the third time and passed into law with September 30, 2021 as the commencement date.
In his remarks, the Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey, directed the Clerk, Mrs Mandu Umoren to communicate the decision of the House to the Governor.
Meanwhile, the House has adjourned its plenary sessions to Thursday, October 7, 2021 by 10:00am prompt.
