The Federal Government (FG) and health stakeholders have been called upon to stem acts of stigmatisation of people, particularly children, living with HIV/AIDS.
The call was made on Monday in a news conference by students of Sunshine Nursery and Primary School, Ile-Ife, in commemoration of World AIDS Day.
According to the school proprietress, Dr Adebisi Anyadike, the news conference was organised to introduce the children to the larger world of leadership.
Anyadike said it was also to train the students for the challenges ahead and to make them adequately informed about global health issues.
The president of the School Council, Ms Darasimi Oyetunji-Alemele, lamented that many children living with HIV/AIDS across the country faced stigma and received inadequate essential services.
Oyetunji-Alemele, a student, added that everyone, including children, has the right to live a healthy and happy life regardless of their HIV status.
According to her, people living with HIV/AIDS also deserve access to quality education, healthcare, and protection from harm.
Oyetunji-Alemele, therefore, called on Nigerian leaders to provide free and quality Antiretroviral therapy (ART) to all children living with HIV/AIDS and to ensure their safety.
“There should be economic support and empowerment programmes for families affected by HIV/AIDS, and children and young people should be educated on HIV/AIDS and its prevention,” she said.
The school’s senior prefect, Salvation Nengou-Mesi, said the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) can be transmitted sexually and by sharing syringes, needles, or other injection equipment.
According to the head boy, the condition is, however, not a death sentence if properly managed by qualified medical practitioners.
He called on the government to make laws that would protect the rights of people living with HIV/AIDS and grant them access to quality education.
He further called for the expansion of healthcare facilities across the country to take care of people living with HIV/AIDS.
Similarly, the senior girl, Pearl Adebusuyi, stated that communities could donate funds, food items, and toiletries to assist people living with HIV/AIDS.
She, however, called for regular awareness and sensitisation programmes by the government at all levels to curb its spread.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that World AIDS DAY, which is celebrated every Dec. 1, has “Take the Right Path” as the theme for 2024. (NAN)
