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In its commitment to improving the welfare of women and children living with HIV/AIDS in the State, the Kwara State Government has pledged its support to the Association of Women Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (ASWHAN), the Kwara State Chapter.
Opeyemi Oluwakemi Afolashade, Commissioner for Women Affairs, made the pledge during a courtesy visit by ASWHAN delegates to the Ministry in Ilorin, Kwara State Capital.
She reaffirmed the State Government’s unwavering support for vulnerable groups, emphasising its duty to cater for the needs of all citizens, especially those most at risk.
Afolashade commended the Association’s tireless efforts in serving humanity and addressing the challenges faced by women living with HIV/AIDS.
She acknowledged that while sensitisation campaigns had made progress, more exercise needed to be done to completely eliminate stigma and discrimination.
Read also: Oyo govt strengthens HIV/AIDS response amid funding challenges
Delivering the goodwill of Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, and the First Lady, Olufolake Abdulrazaq, the Commissioner assured the Association that its members would be included in the Ministry’s Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) education support scheme and other relevant empowerment programmes.
Abdulrasheed Ubandawakih, the Director of Personnel, Finance, and Supply, praised ASWHAN’s vision and encouraged the Association to formally register as a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) with the Kwara State Government to strengthen collaboration and access to support.
Earlier, Roseline Olawuyi, the State Coordinator of ASWHAN, appealed to the State Government for office accommodation, empowerment opportunities for members, and inclusion in ongoing social investment programmes.
Also speaking, Jumoke Olaoye, the State Coordinator of the National Human Rights Commission, stressed that women and children remain the most vulnerable in any society, making them more susceptible to stigma.
She called for a strategic partnership with State Government and other relevant stakeholders to safeguard the rights and well-being of people living with HIV/AIDS.
