Bayelsa Launches HIV Gender, Human Rights Response Team To Tackle Stigma

From Rhoda Godwin in Yenagoa

Yenagoa, Bayelsa State –  The Bayelsa State Agency for the Control of AIDS (BYSACA), in collaboration with the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) and support from GlobalFund, has inaugurated the HIV Gender and Human Rights State Response Team (SRT) in Yenagoa.

The team aims to address gender and human rights issues faced by People Living With HIV (PLHIV) in the state.

Speaking at the event, BYSACA Director General Dr Ramoni Temple Iluma emphasized the importance of collective action to tackle discrimination and stigma against PLHIV.

He stressed the need for the SRT to work with the state government to establish laws and policies that promote and protect equal rights for all.

“We are here to talk about human rights, how we see people differently, especially those living with HIV. How we respect and respond to those living with HIV in the state is very important, we must work against stigmatization and discrimination in the state,” Dr Iluma stated.

Mr Emeka Nwankwo, representing NACA, delivered a lecture on gender-related concepts and HIV programming.

He highlighted the need for consistent integration of human rights principles into all aspects of HIV response, including legislation, policy, development, programming, and planning.

He urged stakeholders to utilize their influence to protect the rights of key populations and vulnerable groups.

The event witnessed positive responses from key stakeholders. Barr Diseye Egberipou, Chairperson of the Gender Response Initiative Team (GRIT), assured their commitment to working with BYSACA to ensure the rights of all PLHIV are respected in the state.

Lady Eunice Nnachi, CEO of ENWAF and a member of the SRT, expressed her commitment to harmonious collaboration to achieve the team’s goals and objectives.

The newly formed HIV Gender and Human Rights State Response Team comprises members from GRIT, Network of Persons Living With HIV (NEPHWAN), NAWOJ, NUJ, NGOs, and HIV implementing partners.

The team is expected to play a crucial role in promoting gender equality and human rights within the state’s HIV response, ensuring a more inclusive and equitable approach to tackling the epidemic.