A bill prohibiting all forms of discrimination and also giving protection, access, justice as well as support and care to all persons living with and affected with HIV/AIDS has been passed by the Delta State House of Assembly.
The bill had the member representing Warri South 1 Constituency, Hon Austin Uroye, who is also Chairman House Committee on Health as the lead sponsor.
The bill was read the third time and passed during Wednesday’s plenary of the House presided by the Speaker, Rt Hon Sherrif Oborevwori.
The motion for the third reading of the bill which was seconded by the Chairman, House Committee on DESOPADEC and member representing Warri South West in the House, Hon Emomotimi Guwor was unanimously adopted.
The Speaker, congratulated members for yet another milestone achieved by the House with the passage of the HIV/AIDS Anti Discrimination and Protection Bill, saying that the proposed law is in line with provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Rt Hon Oborevwori pointed out that by the passage of the bill, the House has gone a step further to protect the fundamental rights of persons living with HIV/AIDS in Delta State.
Reacting to the development, the lead sponsor and Chairman, Assembly Committee on Health, Hon Austin Uroye, said the bill was geared towards eradication of all forms of stigmatization against persons affected by HIV/AIDS.
Hon Uroye explained that the bill also made provisions to checkmate the activities of those affected by the disease, noting that with every right, comes responsibility.
He stressed that the proposed law has placed some level of responsibility on persons living with HIV/AIDS to make them live responsibly.
The Lawmaker emphasized that there was the need for those affected by the disease to live a normal life and to ensure that the public stops designating HIV/AIDS as a death sentence.
While commending his colleagues for their commitment to the enactment of the proposed law, Hon Uroye expressed optimism of early assent to the bill by the Governor.
The lawmaker who described the 34 clause bill as apt, timely and welcome development, said “it is all win-win situation as both those already affected by HIV/AIDS and those not affected stand to benefit from the provisions of the upcoming legal document”.
The bill has been slated for the Committee of Whole on Tuesday 8th March 2022.
