The Oyo State Government, Thursday, warned against discriminating persons living with HIV/ AIDS in the state.

This was revealed by the Executive Secretary, Oyo State Agency for the Control of AIDS (OYSACA), Dr Lanre Abass, in Ibadan during a town hall meeting on anti-stigma law.

Abass warned public institutions, corporate bodies, and other social institutions to desist from any form of discrimination against persons living with HIV/AIDS in Oyo State.

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

“This meeting is to create awareness of the anti-stigma law in the state. It is pertinent that strong awareness be created among the public on the Oyo State law that makes provision for the prevention of HIV and AIDS-based discrimination.

“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 issue 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 opportunity.

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

“HIV stigma and discrimination affect the emotional well-being and mental health of people living with HIV. People living with HIV often internalise the stigma they experience and begin to develop a negative self-image,” he stated

Abass pointed out that the law prohibiting discrimination and stigmatisation against PLWHIV still stands, stressing that 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 further assured people with HIV/AIDS that the agency would always assist them to seek redress when faced with any form of harassment or discrimination.

Access24 reports that the meeting brought together experts from the fields of public health, law, and human rights.

It was to raise awareness about the state’s HIV anti-stigma and discrimination law.