The Oyo State government has warned public institutions, corporate bodies and other social institutions to desist from discrimination against persons living with HIV/AIDS.

Lanre Abass, executive secretary, Oyo State Agency for the Control of AIDS (OYSACA), warned Thursday in Ibadan during a town hall meeting on the anti-stigma law.

The meeting brought together experts from the fields of public health, law and human rights to raise awareness about the state’s HIV anti-stigma and discrimination law.

Mr Abass said OYSACA received complaints through repeated calls about cases of harassment and discrimination against persons living with HIV/AIDS in the state.

“In recent times, stigmatisation and discrimination have been on the increase and becoming a public health issue, and the menace has led to gender and human right issues of all forms.

“These range from denial of education rights, marriage contract, dysfunctional homes, unlawful dissolution of marriage, termination of employment or denial of employment opportunities.

“HIV stigma is negative attitudes and beliefs about people with HIV. It is the prejudice that comes with labelling an individual as part of a group that is believed to be socially unacceptable,” he stated.

Mr Abass pointed out that it is pertinent that everyone is aware of the law prohibiting discrimination and stigmatisation against People living with HIV, saying ignorance of the law is not an excuse.

He recalled that there was an existing anti-stigmatisation law in the state, which was enacted in 2016.

The OYSACA executive secretary assured people with HIV/AIDS that the agency would always assist them to seek redress when faced with harassment or discrimination.

He urged the media to give the event wide publicity because “media plays a major role in dissemination and publicity of information.”

In her lecture at the event, a legal officer, Dupe Awosemusi from the state Ministry of Justice, encouraged people with HIV/AIDS to refrain from internal stigmatisation.

(NAN)