By Citizen Ikenna Samuelson Iwuoha
In a deliberate move aimed at combating the stigmatization of people living with HIV in the State, the Imo State House Of Assembly has called for intensified Public Awareness campaigns.
This is the outcome of the House Plenary activity on Thursday, 29/05/2025, with a continued debate on Tuesday, 03/06/2025.
Presenting the Motion titled _”MOTION ON THE NEED TO INTENSIFY PUBLIC AWARENESS CAMPAIGNS AGAINST THE STIGMATIZATION OF PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV IN IMO STATE”, the Member Representing Orlu State Constituency in the Imo State House Of Assembly, Hon Barrister Ikenna Martins Ihezuo, condemned in no small measure, the stigmatization and discrimination suffered by people living with HIV, noting that such persons go through isolation and social rejection in their workplaces, religious gatherings, educational institutions and even within healthcare facilities, despite the availability of effective treatment and management options.
Describing HIV as not a death sentence and that High Blood Pressure, Diabetes, Malaria, Hepatitis B, etc, kill faster than HIV, the Orlu lawmaker bemoaned that the stigma and discrimination have discouraged many living with it from seeking essential testing, counseling, and subsequent management and treatment which, according to him, has worsened the spread of the virus, thereby undermining the commendable efforts of the 3-R SharedProsperity Leadership Governor Hope Uzodimma on Public Health.
Hon. Barrister Ihezuo, who is the Vice-chairman Of the House Committee on Health, cited Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic Of Nigeria (As Amended), which guarantees the Right to Dignity of Human Person and Freedom from discrimination, which includes people living with HIV.
Beckoning on his Honourable Colleagues to lend their voices to the Motion, the progressive lawmaker called for a collaborative and intensified Public Awareness and sensitization campaign by the Imo State Ministry of Health, Imo State Agency for the Control of Aids (SACA) primary Healthcare Authorities and other Stakeholders to implement a State-wide campaign on breaking the myths, correct misconception and promote compassion towards people living with HIV in communities in the State.
The Motion which was seconded by Hon Chisom Ojukwu, Member Representing Nkwerre State Constituency, was cosponsored by the following lawmakers :
- Rt Honourable Amara Chyna Iwuanyanwu.
- Hon Chigozie Nwaneri.
- Hon Sam Ikechukwu Osuji.
- Hon Kelechi Onumajuru Ofurum.
- Hon Dominic Ugochukwu Ezerioha.
- Hon Chisom Ojukwu.
- Hon Obinna Egu.
- Hon Bernard Ndubuisi Ozoemelam.
- Hon Francis Uche Agabige.
The following lawmakers supported the Motion :
- Hon Barrister Chisom Ojukwu (Nkwerre).
- Hon Okey Ernest Udeze (Ideato North).
- Hon Chigozie Nwaneri, Chief Whip (Oru-East).
- Hon Chief Johnleoba Iheoha (Ikeduru).
- Hon Sam Ikechukwu Osuji (Isiala Mbano).
- Hon Barrister Dominic Ugochukwu Ezerioha (Oru-West).
- Hon Barrister Emeka Kingsley Ozurumba (Isu).
Following extensive debate by lawmakers who supported the Motion, the Speaker, Rt Honourable Chike Olemgbe, who presided, put it to vote, and it was unanimously adopted. Thereafter, he Ruled as follows :
Now, Therefore, This Honourable House Resolved To :
(I) Urge the Honourable Commissioner for Health, in Collaboration with the Imo State Agency for the Control of Aids (SACA) and other relevant Health Management Agencies, to immediately design and implement State-wide Public Awareness campaigns against the stigmatization and discrimination of people living with HIV.
(ii) Mandate the Ministry of Information and Strategy to partner with Community leaders, Faith-based Organizations, and Media houses in disseminating accurate information on HIV transmission, treatment, and rights of those affected.
(iii) Encourage the establishment of confidential counseling and support centers across the 27 local government areas of the state to provide psychological support to people living with HIV and their families.
(iv) Call on Imo citizens to show empathy, compassion, and solidarity with people living with HIV while promoting a discrimination-free and health-conscious society.
The Clerk was directed to communicate the Resolution of the House to the appropriate quarters.
