Int Conf AIDS 2002 Jul 7-12; 14:(abstract no. G12552)
Akinsanya YO None, Lagos, Nigeria
The total disregard for the provisions of Chapter 4 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as regards Fundamental Human Rights of its populace and the influence of long years of dictatorial rule on the disregard for the rule of law were issues put in perspective. There was also the high level of misinformation about HIV/AIDS, illiteracy, poverty and corruption that affected recourse to court by HIV infected and affected persons. The project therefore set out to educate and enlighten the people (including HIV infected and affected persons, Heal;th workers, Legislature, Legal practitioners, Judiciary and the Media) of Surulere Local Government Area of Lagos state, Nigeria, on the Fundamental Human Rights of HIV infected and affected persons as enshrined in the Chapter 4 of the 1999 Constitution . The education was also used as a means to advocate and promote the promulgation of srict liability laws on HIV/AIDS issues, observance of the laws, and its protection and enforcement by the justice system. Seminars, rallies, and advocacy visits to various stakeholders was carried out; issues were raised and clarified; discussions held; questions answered and examples given for clarifications. The work has proved effective in that more persons have visited designated clinics for voluntary testing and counselling, more lawyers are willing to take up cases of violations of rights of HIV/AIDS infected and affected persons and some employers of labour have been reported to be more humane in the treatment of HIV positive members of staff. Reports show that the more people are saturated with certain information the more willing they are to believe it and make informed decisions. Consistent education will be given at the grassroots and there will be greater involvement of people living with HIV/AIDS to ensure better reality.
Keywords: AEGIS, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, HIV Infections, Human Rights, HIV Seropositivity, Counseling, Public Policy, Health Education, Nigeria, Human, Ethics
