26th May, 2014
The Chairman, Ogun House of Assembly’s Committee on Health, Aina Akinpelu, has assured that the anti-stigma bill currently before the House would be passed into law as soon as possible.
Akinpelu gave the assurance in an interview with NAN on Sunday in Abeokuta.
He said the bill, now in its final stage, would be deliberated on when the House reconvened on 5 June, saying it would likely be passed into law on that day.
“The bill will prevent all forms of stigmatisation and provide protection and care for persons living with HIV/AIDS.
“It is aimed at preventing stigmatisation to ensure that those with the disease do not become outcasts in the society. It will promote self-esteem to those living with the condition.
“The bill, when passed into law, will seek to educate people, that they should not use words that will label people living with HIV/AIDS,” he said.
The lawmaker explained that the bill was a step towards controlling the pandemic and addressing human rights issues affecting the people living with the virus.