In a bid to promote inclusivity and combat discrimination, the Association of Women Living With HIV in Nigeria has called upon religious leaders to preach non-discriminatory messages in their places of worship.
This call was made known during an event held yesterday in Jalingo, Taraba State, commemorating International Women’s Day (IWD).
During the gathering, the association emphasized the importance of allowing women living with HIV to marry their chosen partners, asserting that with advancements in HIV treatment, transmission risks are significantly reduced.
They cited examples of discordant couples who have lived together for over two decades without transmission, even bearing children.
Highlighting the critical role of women and girls in HIV programmes, the association warned that neglecting their needs could undermine the effectiveness of such interventions and lead to failure.
Led by their National Coordinator, Esther Hindi, they urged both state and national governments to include women living with HIV in social investment funds and conditional cash transfer programs.
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The group also stressed that investment in HIV programmes specifically targeting women and girls would alleviate the suffering experienced by women living with HIV, not only in Taraba State but across the nation.
They called on governments, donors, and stakeholders to prioritize and expedite funding for these crucial initiatives.
Furthermore, the advocates underscored the urgent need to empower women living with HIV economically, enabling them to lead productive lives.
They emphasized the importance of active involvement in preventing mother-to-child transmission programs, highlighting the unique role of mentor mothers in ensuring the success of such initiatives.
