The Hepatitis Advocacy Foundation has called for the enactment of legislation to criminalize the stigmatization of persons living with hepatitis B in Delta State.
The foundation made the appeal on Wednesday, during a visit to the Leader of the Delta State House of Assembly and Chairman of the Nigeria Majority Leaders’ Forum, Emeka Nwaobi.
Led by its Founder and Team Lead, Prince O. Okinedo, the foundation urged Nwaobi to sponsor a bill that will protect the rights of individuals affected by the disease.
Okinedo emphasized the urgent need to change public perception about the disease, and ensure that those living with hepatitis B are not treated as outcasts.
Associate Director of Public Health Research at the Hepatitis B Foundation, USA, Dr. Catherine Freeland, urged legislators to take inspiration from existing legislations that have helped prevent discrimination against persons living with HIV/AIDS.
She emphasized that diseases are a natural occurrence and should not be a basis for stigmatization, but rather an opportunity for society to show empathy and provide solutions.
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Responding, Nwaobi pledged his support for the proposed legislation, acknowledging that stigma and discrimination remain major challenges for people living with hepatitis B.
He stated that laws must be put in place to correct negative societal behaviours and ensure that affected individuals are treated with dignity and respect.
Other members of the Hepatitis Advocacy Foundation present at the meeting include the Programme Manager, Gregsonil Idibofu, and the Financial Director, Abifade Osazee.
The foundation remains committed to pushing for policies that will create a safer and more inclusive society for persons affected by hepatitis B.
