The Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN) has called for the implementation of laws that would penalize the stigmatization of individuals living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria.
President of the CCN and Archbishop of Owerri Anglican Communion, Most Rev. David Onuoha, made this plea during the opening of a three-day training session on HIV self-stigma and life building skills for vulnerable communities in Abuja.
The training, organized in collaboration with the World Council of Churches, carries the theme “Your Mind is a Treasure. Keep it from Negative Ideas.”
Rev. Onuoha emphasized the importance of empowering individuals living with HIV/AIDS to assert themselves and continue with their lives. He noted that self-pity and social withdrawal would not be beneficial for them. To inspire hope and confidence, he stressed the need for collective efforts, quoting biblical references such as “encourage themselves in the Lord his God” (1 Sam 30:6-8) and “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phil 4:13).
The CCN President strongly advocated for the introduction of legal measures that would make the stigmatization of people with HIV/AIDS a punishable offense in Nigeria. He emphasized that there is no justification for stigmatizing those living with the condition, as they are no less human, less capable, or less able to fulfill their life’s potential. Rev. Onuoha highlighted that living with HIV/AIDS is not a divine sentence or judgment for sin, and the virus is not transmitted through everyday interactions like handshakes or shared meals.
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The faith-based training event aimed to rekindle hope among people living with HIV/AIDS, especially young people.
Gracia Ross, representing the World Council of Churches (WCC) in Switzerland, focused on addressing HIV self-stigma among youth. Ross shared her personal experience of living with HIV for 23 years, stressing that with the available information today, the virus cannot be transmitted. She explained that by following prescribed medications, individuals can achieve an undetectable viral load, and thus, there is no reason for continued stigmatization.
The event drew participants from various states across Nigeria, signifying the collective commitment to eradicating HIV self-stigma and promoting understanding and acceptance. #CNN