Nigerian AIDS Agency Say Anti-Same Sex Marriage Law Will Not Affect HIV treatment

NAN

Director General of National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Prof. John Idoko, says no provision of the Anti-Same Sex Marriage Act will deny anybody access to HIV treatment.

The agency’s view is contained in a statement issued by Mrs Toyin Aderibigbe, Assistant Chief Communication Officer in the agency, in Abuja on Monday.

The statement quoted Idoko as saying that “the Government of Nigeria remains fully committed to improving the health of Nigerians and preventing all AIDS related deaths.

“Therefore, FG (Federal Government) will continue to ensure that Nigerians have access to the requisite services that they may require as guaranteed by the constitution.’’

It noted that nothing in the law refers to or prohibits programmes targeted at prevention, treatment, care and support for people living with HIV or affected by AIDS in Nigeria.

“No provision of this law will deny anybody in Nigeria access to HIV treatment and other medical services,’’ it said.

It noted that the provisions had no negative effects on the HIV and AIDS Prevention, Treatment, Care and Support programme.

The statement pointed out that on Jan. 7, President Goodluck Jonathan signed the law, which has generated debate and anxiety, especially as it affects HIV programming.