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A network of religious leaders living with or affected by HIV on Friday raised concern over the level of stigma living with HIV (PLWHA) suffer in places of worship, calling it the “biggest hindrance” to getting treatment.
Speaking at a national dialogue for PLWHA to talk about challenges in accessing antiretroviral therapy, Ada Anyahuru, of NINERELA, continued stigma against PLWHA hindered treatment, early detection and often led to death.
“People living with HIV/AIDS have more faith and confidence in their religious leaders, and want to open up and be heard. But inside the church, community and mosques dwells stigma. It is the biggest hindrance,” said Anyahuru.
“We have cases of people travelling out of their states to get drugs because they don’t want to be recognized.”
In one instance, a man killed himself after listening to anti-HIV sermon his pastor delivered in church.
The dialogue organised by the Network of People Living With HIV/AIDS (NEPWHAN) came alongside the first-ever national conference on HIV prevention held by the National Against for Control of AIDS.
The Network said charges patients have to pay are keeping many from continuing therapy.
“The charges are posing a threat, because most people unable to afford the fees may end up defaulting,” said Emmanuel Clifford, the network’s south deputy national coordinator.
He said the federal health ministry’s announcement to abolish all charges was only a promise until fulfilled.
Bosede Ajamu, NEPWHAN’s financial secretary, urged that federal government abide by its promise to contribute to funding for antiretroviral drugs.
She said drop in supply volume led to stockouts and patients having to switch drugs or been given formulations meant for children.
