HIV/AIDS: Nigerian state enacts anti-stigmatisation law

Lagos, Nigeria (PANA) - Nigeria's southern Cross River state has enacted a law that prescribes three months in jail, or a fine of 100,000 naira (US$650)  for anyone who discriminates against People Living With AIDS (PLWAs) in the state.

Under the law, unveiled by the state's Attorney General, Mr. Atta Ochinke as part of a belated observance of the 2011 World AIDS Day in the state capital, Calabar, defaulting corporate organisations are liable to a fine of 500,000 naira (US$3,225).

The Cross River State Anti-Stigmatisation Law stipulates that a person shall not be discriminated against with regards to employment, admission, accommodation and other social engagements by virtue of the fact or suspicion that he/she is HIV positive.

Over 3 million Nigerians are infected with the virus that causes AIDS.
-0- PANA SEG 7Dec2011