The Association of Women Living with HIV and AIDs in Nigeria (ASWHAN) says it has recorded 24,564 HIV-positive women in Kano state who are between the age of 15 years and above.
The Kano state coordinator of ASWHAN Hajara Aliyu disclosed this while briefing journalists as part of the association’s commitment in celebration of International Women’s Day 2024 held in Kano on Friday.
International Women’s Day which is celebrated on 8th March each year tends to create awareness of the suffering of women globally and programs are designed every year to campaign on the challenges and ways to address them.
According to her, religious leaders also have a role to play in ending the ugly act by preaching none discriminatory messages in places of worship to allow women living with HIV to marry their spouses of choice with the advancement of HIV treatment no transmission can happen and a couple can live for over 20 years without transmission and will have children.
International Women’s Day is a day when women are recognized for their achievements irrespective of diversity, whether National, ethnic, economic, or political.
This year’s theme, “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress” to empower women with life-building skills to reduce their vulnerability encourages National and International partners to demonstrate their commitment to providing platforms for women to have access to economic resources.
ASWHAN has provided mental health training for young adolescent girls living with HIV to provide mental health counseling to their peers.
ASWHAN calls on women living with HIV/AIDS across all nooks and crannies to amplify their voices by joining our network to support each other.
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In a remark, the director general of the Kano State Agency for Control of Aid (KSACA) Dr. Usman Bashir represented by Director Procurement, Supply and Distribution Pharmacist Salisu Hashim said the Kano State House of Assembly and all the relevant stakeholders have reviewed the law governing body and imposing sanctions on anybody found discriminating against the members of the Union.
He said the agency is working closely with members of the association to achieve the set objectives.
“We are the only state in Nigeria that provides residence office to people living with HIV and AIDs, we are working with donor agencies to support the HIV-positive people, and we are also in partnership with Kano state contributory healthcare management board to support people living with HIV in the state,” he added.