‘‘A world with zero HIV is possible if we collectively work together to achieve a world with zero discrimination and zero inequality’’.

Isaiah Owolabi, Chef Executive Officer, Nigerian Business Coalition against AIDS.

On this day, The Nigerian Business Coalition Against Aids is joining the world to campaign against discrimination and inequality as it affects people living with HIV/AIDS.
Throughout the world, exclusion and inequality have been instrumental in hampering effective access to HIV prevention, treatment, and care services, making people more vulnerable to HIV.

Available data across 19 countries reports that one in four people living with HIV have experienced discrimination in health-care settings and one in three women living with HIV have experienced at least one form of discrimination in health-care settings related to their sexual and reproductive health. Key findings from people living with HIV in Nigeria also reports that 45% of respondents had lost their job or source of income as a result of their HIV status.

The Covid-19 has also intensified discriminatory behaviours against certain groups as well as anyone perceived to have been in contact with the virus.
There is a need for transformative change, one that encourages inclusion, social participation, including access to treatment and cares for People Living with HIV/AIDS, so that inequalities and discrimination are disabled within the structures of our society.
We all have a part to play, not just today being the Zero Discrimination Day, but on every other day; by calling out discrimination where we see it, offering support, and correcting stereotypes about HIV. The very needs and vulnerability of people living with and affected by HIV need to be addressed before we can achieve an end to the HIV/ AIDS epidemic.

We are calling on all individuals and different sectors to collectively step up the fight and implement interventions and policy frameworks that are geared towards ending discrimination and inequality.
The change for an equal and inclusive world starts with You!