HIV/AIDS: Experts, victims decry stigmatization, say discrimination still very real
Director of save lives sustainable and counseling initiative, Bashir Isma’il, told SOCIETY WATCH that discrimination against people living with HIV remains widespread, often driven by ignorance and poverty.
He said many patients still face subtle rejection even in healthcare settings.
“Stigma is still very real despite all the efforts by government and organisations like ours. Some people look down on you just because you carry this condition. If you’re poor and go to the hospital, you may notice you are treated differently. When you see special attention given to patients, it’s because they can afford it,” he said.
Isma’il also expressed concern over the uncertainty caused by US President Donald Trump’s threat to halt medical aid, which includes HIV medication supplied freely under US-backed programmes.
Our minds were troubled when we heard America might stop sending drugs. Most people living with HIV are poor. They cannot afford the medication on their own. Thank God an understanding was reached between Nigeria and the US. Otherwise, the situation would have been disastrous and the numbers could have risen sharply,” he said.
Patients share experiences of fear and isolation
Another patient who gave his name simply as MD said many low-income Nigerians living with HIV endure the toughest struggles, from diagnosis to treatment.
We must rise and begin our own research. We cannot remain dependent forever. God has given us the same intelligence as everyone else. We should not sit idle waiting for discoveries from elsewhere. Our governments and experts must take the lead in researching diseases and producing medications,” he told SOCIETY WATCH.
Amnesty also cautioned that although global infection rates are dropping, HIV remains widespread in many communities, especially in Nigeria.
According to data released by the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), more than two million Nigerians were living with HIV by the end of 2024, with the South South and North Central regions recording the highest prevalence.
Kano State alone has more than 50,000 people living with the virus.
NACA added that over 51,000 Nigerians died from AIDS-related illnesses in 2024, while new infections reached 74,000.
1I faced a lot before people even knew my status. I spent months moving from one traditional healer to another because we believed someone had bewitched me. When things got worse, I finally went to the hospital, and that was when I got the real diagnosis. After that came discrimination from family and friends,” he said.
Experts urge Nigeria to invest In its own research
Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, Isah Sanusi, said the world has made significant progress in the fight against HIV, but warned that developing countries cannot continue relying on wealthy nations for research and drug support.
