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To Protect Everyone’s Health, Protect Everyone’s Rights – Leopold Zekeng
To Protect Everyone’s Health, Protect Everyone’s Rights – Leopold Zekeng
By: Michael Mike
The enactment of Nigeria’s HIV/AIDS Anti-Discrimination Act – a national law hinged on the protection of the rights of people living with or affected by HIV/AIDS from discrimination based on their HIV status, is indeed progressive. However, to date, only about 18 states in Nigeria have domesticated the Act.
Evidence from the Nigeria PLHIV Stigma Index Survey revealed that 24.5% of adults aged 35-44 and 21.7% of young adults aged 18-24 have experienced stigma and discrimination. In some instances, key populations in Nigeria have experienced discrimination, violent law enforcement practices, arrests and other forms of human rights violations. Violence and discrimination against women and girls also remain pervasive. These violations often shove persons living with HIV and key populations to the margins of society, denying them access to life-saving health and social services, including HIV services.
Globally, 38 countries have pledged to end HIV-related stigma and discrimination through the Global Partnership for Action to Eliminate all Forms of HIV-Related Stigma and Discrimination (Global Partnership). These are hard-fought gains. Nonetheless, Nigeria is yet to formally join the Global Partnership.
However, the unwavering commitments and investments by stakeholders including the Nigerian government, National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), UNAIDS, Global Fund, United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and other partners, have been instrumental in catalyzing progress towards ending stigma and discrimination in Nigeria. Communities of persons living with HIV have also been at the frontline of combatting stigma and discrimination. Recently, the Community of Practice to address HIV-related stigma and discrimination in Nigeria was launched by the Network of People Living with HIV and AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN), Association of Women Living with HIV in Nigeria (ASWHAN) & Association of Young People living with HIV in Nigeria (APYIN). The platform seeks to facilitate capacity strengthening, exchange of best practices and promote synergy amongst stakeholders in addressing stigma and discrimination in health care, education, workplace, justice systems, communities, emergency and humanitarian settings.
When marginalized communities are criminalized or stigmatized, their vulnerability to HIV infection increases, and their access to HIV prevention, treatment, care, and support services is obstructed. Countries that are beating the AIDS epidemic are doing so by repealing laws and policies that discriminate, by expanding human rights for all and by allowing marginalized communities to lead the response.
Public health is undermined when laws, policies, practices or norms enshrine punishment, discrimination or stigma for people because they are women, key populations, or persons living with HIV. Discrimination obstructs HIV prevention, testing, treatment and care, and holds back progress towards the end of AIDS.
We have hope, however, from communities on the frontlines. As Dr. Martin Luther King noted, “Social progress never rolls in on wheels of inevitability; it comes through the tireless efforts of people.” It is the communities most affected by discrimination that are leading the pushback against the erosion of their right to health, against the right to life. They are uniting their efforts to protect and advance human rights. They need, and deserve, all our support. The rights path strengthens entire societies, making them better equipped to deal with the challenges we face today and those that are emerging.
The right to non-discrimination as guaranteed under Article 2 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other relevant human rights treaties and standards, is the cornerstone of international human rights law. Having ratified the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and other relevant treaties, the Nigerian government has an obligation to ensure that national laws and policies do not discriminate against people and that all persons including persons living with HIV are protected against such discrimination by third parties.
Furthermore, the Global Aids Strategy requires that all countries including Nigeria create an enabling legal environment by removing punitive laws, introducing and enforcing protective legislations and policies, and eradicating the abuse of criminal and general laws to target people living with HIV and key populations.
Discrimination against anyone is harmful to the health of everyone. For Nigeria to deliver on the promise to end AIDS by 2030, action is urgently needed to advance the protection of the human rights of everyone, everywhere. The Zero Discrimination Day, celebrated around the world every 1 March, presents an opportunity for Nigeria to strengthen its commitment through ensuring the domestication and effective implementation of the HIV/AIDS Anti-Discrimination Act in all states across Nigeria, formally joining the Global Partnership, committing to take actions on HIV-related stigma and discrimination across all six settings; and letting communities lead in addressing stigma and discrimination.
Dr Leopold Zekeng, UNAIDS Nigeria Country Director, writes from Abuja.
To Protect Everyone’s Health, Protect Everyone’s Rights – Leopold Zekeng
News
CAIDOV Urges DSS to Arrest El-Rufai Over Alleged Admission of Tapping NSA’s Calls
CAIDOV Urges DSS to Arrest El-Rufai Over Alleged Admission of Tapping NSA’s Calls
By: Michael Mike
The Centre Against Injustice and Domestic Violence (CAIDOV) has called on the Department of State Services (DSS) to urgently investigate and arrest former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over what it described as a confession to tapping the telephone lines of the National Security Adviser (NSA).
In a statement issued on Saturday by the Executive Director, Gbenga Soloki, the group said the alleged action by El-Rufai raises serious national security concerns and must not be treated lightly by security agencies.
CAIDOV insisted that security operatives should “move swiftly to trap him even if Nigeria will divide,” stressing that no individual is above the law regardless of political status or influence.
According to the group, El-Rufai has “succeeded in putting himself into trouble” and should be made to face the consequences of his alleged actions. It accused the former governor of displaying what it called an “alarming level of arrogance,” warning that personal disagreements with top security officials should not lead to actions that could undermine national security.
The group further claimed that the alleged development has “exposed whatever may have been planned underneath,” urging authorities to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the full extent of the matter.
As of the time of filing this report, El-Rufai had not publicly responded to the allegations, while the DSS has yet to issue an official statement on CAIDOV’s demand.
The call adds to growing political tensions surrounding recent exchanges involving key political actors and security institutions.
CAIDOV Urges DSS to Arrest El-Rufai Over Alleged Admission of Tapping NSA’s Calls
News
Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment to Global Anti-Drug War as NDLEA Officers Graduate from U.S. DEA Academy
Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment to Global Anti-Drug War as NDLEA Officers Graduate from U.S. DEA Academy
By: Michael Mike
Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening global collaboration in the fight against illicit drug trafficking and transnational organised crime as officers of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) completed advanced training at the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Training Academy in Quantico, Virginia.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony on Friday, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd), said the increasing sophistication of criminal networks across borders requires deeper international cooperation and a coordinated global offensive.

Marwa stressed that criminal syndicates no longer operate within isolated territories, making intelligence sharing, joint operations and capacity building among nations indispensable in dismantling drug cartels and organised crime groups.
The ceremony, held at the elite DEA Training Academy, brought together officers from Nigeria, Ghana and Kenya for an intensive programme designed to sharpen investigative, operational and strategic enforcement capabilities. Participants were equipped with advanced skills to combat complex drug trafficking networks and related transnational crimes.
Describing the event as deeply significant, Marwa noted that the course was dedicated to members of the Special Investigative Unit (SIU) who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty. He paid tribute to the fallen officers, describing them as heroes whose courage and sacrifice continue to inspire law enforcement agencies worldwide.
Referencing the course motto, “Different nations, shared duty, one fight,” Marwa said it captured the collective resolve of partner countries against the global drug menace. He emphasised that only a unified, intelligence-driven response can effectively confront criminal enterprises that thrive on cross-border operations.
The NDLEA boss expressed confidence that the knowledge and competencies acquired by the graduating officers would significantly enhance the operational effectiveness of their respective agencies. He charged them to apply the training with integrity, professionalism and courage upon returning home, while upholding the highest standards of service.
Marwa also conveyed Nigeria’s appreciation to the United States Department of Justice, the DEA leadership and instructors for their continued mentorship and investment in capacity development.
He said the graduation marked not the end of training but the beginning of renewed responsibility, urging the officers to protect vulnerable communities and confront criminality wherever it threatens societal stability.
Marwa expressed optimism that the partnership between the NDLEA and the DEA would continue to deepen, yielding sustained success in the shared fight against illicit drugs and organised crime.
Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment to Global Anti-Drug War as NDLEA Officers Graduate from U.S. DEA Academy
News
VP Shettima Attends High-Level Meeting On Africa’s Health Security Sovereignty
VP Shettima Attends High-Level Meeting On Africa’s Health Security Sovereignty
By: Our Reporter
Shortly after his bilateral discussions with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, Vice President Kashim Shettima moved on to a high-level meeting on Building Africa’s Health Security Sovereignty on the sidelines of the African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The session, organized by Africa CDC and fully supported by the Nigerian government, convenes African leaders and health policymakers to chart the path toward strengthening the continent’s health emergency preparedness, response systems, and pharmaceutical independence.

Joining the Vice President at the meeting are key Nigerian officials including the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yussuf Tuggar.
Other African health ministers in attendance include Dr. Ibrahim Sy of Senegal, Madalisto Baloyi of Malawi, and Dr. Mekdes Daba of Ethiopia.
VP Shettima Attends High-Level Meeting On Africa’s Health Security Sovereignty
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