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4.1 The Supremacy of Human Life

4.1.1 What is Human Life?

The concept of the meaning of human life has drawn and defied attempts at a definition

by scholars of different disciplines. like the problem of what is man, which is wondrous,

complex, infinitely mysterious, life escapes any scientific, biologist, psychologists¶, genetic,

thermodynamic and Biochemists answer; often time, their attempts appear and seem to be a

waste of energy. Although many scientists and humanists have tried to explain human and

other biological lives scientifically, each time they have ended up at what the Holy Father

Pope John Paul 11 calls: µreductionism¶ wherein the deeper sides of man are deliberately or

ignorantly cut off from serious considerations even in the name of science.1 According to

Robin Gill, the ever- recurrent question of what is life and its origins, has two answers

namely, scientific and theological.

Scientifically, human life is an open system requiring liberation from the enslavement

to nature; this description tends to reduce human life to the autonomy of science leading to

scientific and technological manipulation and distortion of the dignity of the human person in

particular and making of sciences and technology slave to the will power of tyrannical forces;

the theological definition, seeks to explain the contentious problem of human life from the

perspective of faith in relation to reason and science which must conduce to basic moral

norms for the protection and integral fulfillment of human persons. Human life therefore is

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seen as sacred and gift of God in love. 2 It is a unique gift that is precious, worth living, and a

task for man to maintain, preserve, sustain and protect in all its forms, stage and condition.

4.1.2 The value of Human Life

The value of human life can also be view as the sacredness of Life. Human life as sacred

entails something that is cherished and that which one will not want to lose or be denied of

and also that which is kept away from any destructive element. Furthermore the value of life

concentrates on the treatment of life as a concept that is greatly precious. The sacredness of

human life also involves the rights and privilege which ought to be accorded individuals. In

the strict sense of this,‘
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Great men in the past accorded Human life its proper status and honour and sought after

its preservation. For example, Jefferson gave life a priority when he proclaimed the right to

life, liberty and pursuit of happiness in the declaration of United States of America

independence. In the same vein, Thomas Hobbes in his exalted treatise, made an obvious and

comprehensive statement on life; that the right to preserve someone¶s own life was the only

right one had in the state of nature, in his own judgment. So, the greatest harm one can do to

a human being is to deny him his right. 4

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 4.1.3 Preservation of Human Life

It is a moral obligation to keep and preserve Life in all its forms. Thus, the deep

instinct of self- preservation to hold-on to life a little longer is universal to all human beings

regardless of race, statues or position. From this universality of the natural desire that we

deduce that life is of the greatest value and a treasure that should never be tempered upon,

scorned, devalued and under estimated by anyone and for any excuse. Individuals are obliged

to take care of their health and that of others regardless of the conditions and circumstances.

On the societal level, this calls for responsibility by society to provide adequate health care

which is so important for full human dignity and so necessary for the proper development of

life that is a fundamental right of every human being.5 It should be noted that the restoration,

preservation, promotion and maintenance of life is not the sole responsibility of doctors and

nurses alone, but a universal call that binds on every individual, society and religious

institutions.

4.1.4 Factors militating against the Supremacy of Human Life

Experience reveals the indubitable fact that the urge, yearning, clamoring and desire to

live on in spite of agonizing, traumatizing, excruciating and challenging pains and suffering

is enough ethical argument to nullify whatever reason the protagonists of Euthanasia,

Abortion, Stem Cell research and agents against the clients of HIV/AIDS. Narrowing down

to the Nigerian society and pertinent to this research, the supremacy of human Life is greatly

hampered by the erroneous perception and practices among the people. A big barrier is

created and a line of separation and distinction between peers, family members, social groups

to mention but a few, when an individual belonging to one of the above mentioned groups, is

diagnosed with a deadly infection; the most ³celebrated´ in Nigeria today which is

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HIV/AIDS. Such actions lead to the emergence and cultivation of negative attitudes which

take various dimensions, forms and style dominating the hearts and thoughts of individuals

who are originally called and saddled with the responsibility of preserving human life.

4.2 Attitudes towards People Living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA)

The fear, anxiety, distrust, scorn, denial, betrayal, rejection and shame that often arise

and are directed to the clients of HIV/AIDS, after testing positive and while living with the

virus is a visible reality that dwells and has polluted the minds of the majority regardless of

status and academic acquisitions. Sequel to the indubitable fact there is at present no vaccine

or cure for the epidemic and owing to the erroneous state of mind of the people as regards the

true nature of the virus and its menacing nature, the attitudes directed towards the people

living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) are often negative., an experience in Nigeria that has

catapulted the alarming increase of infection rate and on the one hand sent many clients to

their early grave. Owing to this unethical trend, the PLWHA often feel such insecurity and

inferiority and worst still less human. For the purpose of this work, the attitudes as

experienced in the Nigerian society is divided into 3 groups namely: Cultural attitudes,

Religious attitudes, Stigma and Stigmatization

4.2.1 Cultural attitudes (Traditional African attitudes)

Culture emerges as a pivotal part, an essential aspect which defines a community, its

values and principles. As a nation greatly endowed and blessed with both human and natural

resources, Nigeria boosts of a vast majority of tribes, languages, norms and practices which

define, determine the disposition, way and pattern of living, choice of life and believes of the

people who find themselves as its adherents. Regardless of the cultural diversities and

heritages which are abound in Nigeria, cultural towards HIV/AIDS clients in the local and

rural and urban communities, has generated great concern among promoters of life and care
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givers. As observed earlier on, the negative attitude deified and mystified the epidemic in

Nigeria and thereby contributing immensely to the prevalence of the global killer. It is a

truism that a great majority of the cultural practices as were the practice of the ancient

fathers, still exists in some of our cultures; individuals become slaves of false beliefs about

the true nature of the epidemic; this trend has greatly damaged their conception about the

value and essence of human life. Interactions with peers and elders in some communities

across the nation reveal the erroneous conception that HIV/AIDS is brought about by cause

on an individual after breaking a cultural taboo.

Clients of the epidemic are said to be called series of names, as such they become

victims of ungodly treats, scorn, ostricization, rejection and denial, subject of public scandal,

hate and abandonment. Families of the people living with HIV/AIDS are sometimes denied

access to basic community positions, titles and privileges and recognitions. Furthermore,

owing to these negative attitudes, the clients of the epidemic are often treated segregated

upon as half castes and victim of the gods; sharing with the clients becomes a reality not to be

practiced or considered by many.

Another area of great concern is the extent at which the people living with HIV/AIDS

are extorted by some of the traditional native doctors who claim to have the cure for the virus.

These native doctors, charge exorbitantly the local clients in the name of having a permanent

cure for the epidemic. Adversely the dangers posed by this negative cultural attitude to the

menace of HIV/AID and its clients in the modern African society are quite visible. Indeed,

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4.2.2 Religious attitudes

Another attitude shown the clients of HIV/AIDS are identified as religious attitudes.

It is reported that Nigeria is the most religious nation in the continent of Africa with various

religious bodies, and associations which dominate, direct and detect the way of life of the

people. For many Nigerians, religion is not just a matter of paying homage to the

supernatural; it provides indispensable ethical guidelines for living, succinctly interpreting

natural events including disasters and misfortunes, for coping with life¶s milestones, from

birth, through illness to death. Religion also often provides an anchor in times of rapid social

change; undoubtedly, religion constitutes a very strong and significant aspect of Nigerian

society no doubt, Nigerians traditionally have been able to turn to their spiritual communities

for solace and comfort in times of personal struggle, inner turmoil, or physical illness or

impairment. However, in recent times, Nigeria¶s religious terrain has been plagued with

religious prejudice mixed with misconceptions about HIV/AIDS, and this is sentencing many

clients to early death and deepening the gap that exists and has crippled the relationship that

ought to exist among the infected, affected and the non carriers. It is worthy of mention that

the negative attitude shown the people living with HIV/AIDS takes different dimensions.

Erroneously some believe that the pandemic is the sign of the last days and as such

the carriers of the virus are the condemned on earth who have begun experience the real

punishment that awaits them. Furthermore, the epidemic is looked upon as a curse sent by

God to punish humanity for continually disobeying his will and commandments, for

immorality and promiscuous activities; this conclusion arises owing to the knowledge that the


virus could be transmitted through intravenous drugs and heterosexual relationships; a great

number still live by these conception about HIV/AIDS. On the other hand, advocates of the

secular paradigm believe that there is not enough evidence to support the belief that

HIV/AIDS is a curse sent by God to punish humanity for disobeying God¶s will. The secular

argument is that HIV/AIDS transmission can also occur within sexual relationship between

husband and wife. Moreover, HIV transmission also occurs through other means that are not

sexual and, therefore, not sinful. The implication of the religious attitude is quite obvious;

that is, PLWHAs are sinners. Notwithstanding, the fact that some believe that AIDS is a

punishment from God as punishment for homosexuals or promiscuous individuals or even

that it is a sign if the last days, is very dangerous. The danger lies in the fact such

interpretations create negative responses that are contrary to the medical and Christian ethics

of human acts. Such mystification of HIV/AIDS also portrays a negative picture of a God

who is irrational, unforgiving and a bias master who is anxious to punish and not forgive

sinners with an abominable and incurable disease; what a fallacy. Yet another danger arises

from the emergence of self-styled prophets and Christian healers who are convinced that God

is behind the menacing epidemic in the country and the world at large. Satisfied and

convinced in their ignorance and wickedness that the scourge is a result of sinful acts, these

prophets, seers, healers and visionaries claim that they can cure HIV/AIDS through prayers

and other spiritual observations. However, in some instances patients greatly worn out by the

ravaging attitudes, and driven by hopelessness usually turned to such false prophets and

healers only to die soon after, due to their ignorance and possible negligence of their

management programme. They are often given false hope and more disturbing, are

financially exploited. Often time, the religious attitudes towards PLWHA are visibly

manifested in situations whereby PLWHA are restricted and denied access to marriage and

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adequate participation in religious activities. These attitudes should be noted facilitate and

necessitates stigma and stigmatization of People living with HIV/AIDS.

4.2.3 Stigma and Stigmatization of People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA)

Stigma can be seen as an unhealthy attitude which discredits the basic human integrity

of the person in society due to condition of sickness he/she is subjected to. The person is

therefore treated as a second class citizen of his or her society. The term stigma can also be

defined as a¶ virus¶ of the mind and soul that infects and destroys not only those persons who

are stigmatized but also the stigmatizers.6 Furthermore, stigma is a powerful tool of social

control. It can be used to marginalize, exclude and exercise power over individuals who show

certain characteristics; while the social reflection of social groups (e.g. homosexuals and sex

workers), may predate HIV/AIDS; the disease has in many cases reinforced this stigma.7

Stigmatization emerges as a necessary consequence of stigma. µStigmatization

generally results from ignorance of and about HIV/AIDS. Ignorance on how HIV is

transmitted makes one have ungrounded fear, anxieties and consequently prejudices. It makes

people think that any association with the infected person may spread the infection. For

example, shaking hands, hugging or sharing utensils with an infected person can spread the

virus. Ignorance on how HIV is contracted is also responsible for stigmatization in our

society today in the sense that the infection is often associated with sexual promiscuity. One

having critically examined this position begins to wonder in his reconciliation of the fact that,

sexually responsible persons do contract the virus through other methods of infection such as:

infected blood, blood transfusion, sharing of infected objects and the rest. No doubt, a person


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may have been infected sexually but through no act of his/her own sexual irresponsibility;

one may be infected by an unfaithful spouse or through rape. The implication of this reality is

that stigmatization of persons living with HIV/AIDS elicits self-righteousness.8 The type of

stigmatization commonly found in Africa and contemporary Nigeria include: social

stigmatization, denial of social amenities and opportunities, neglect of persons living with

HIV/AIDS, murder or discard of children infected with HIV/AIDS and violence which are

usually physical, verbal and worse still the act of rejection and desertion of PLWHA.

Rightly observed, µ the community and the family also contribute their own quota in

this sphere because they isolate people who are HIV infected by restricting their participation

in local events and further by ostracizing of partners and children of PLWHA and worst still

using violence against a spouse or partner who has tested positive.9

4.2.4 Impacts and Effects of Stigma and Stigmatization on People Living With HIV/AIDS

(PLWHA)

Owing to its devastating nature and attributes, studies and experience have revealed

the fact that in our contemporary Nigerian society, stigma and stigmatization has been

identified as one of major contributing factors that hasten the death of people living with

HIV/AIDS. The impact of stigma and stigmatization cannot be overemphasized. This is

because stigma is disruptive and harmful at every stage of the HIV/AIDS continuum, from

preventing and testing to treatment and support.10 Saddening is the reality that stigmatization

of persons living with HIV/AIDS, their attendants, relatives, associates and of people who are

perceived to be at risk of infection with HIV infection, continues in spite of various efforts to

curb it.

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 The stigma comes in a form of social segregation, fear, blame, denial of services and

use of facilities. Equally due to the culture of stigmatization, persons living with HIV/AIDS

are discriminated against or they isolate themselves socially. As a consequence, PLWHA as

often the common practice among them, may choose to avoid public occasions, ceremonies

and social interactions and forums that are important for human life and development, or may

feel unloved, isolated, useless, fruitless, irrelevant, and uncared for; they may equally hate

themselves and subsequently suffer from feelings of self guilt, regret, self blame and denial.

To a large extent, such feelings translate into stress and suffering not just for the individual

person living with HIV but also for the entire society around the person.11

4.3 Impacts of HIV/AIDS on the Nigerian Society

Like a cancer worm that has eaten deep into the fabrics of human being, the impacts of

HIV/AIDS on the Nigerian society are quite enormous and as such a thing of domestic and

global concern. The impacts of HIV/AIDS are largely felt and experienced in the social

sector( this necessitates the decimation of families, increase of orphaned HIV/AIDS children

and the overburdening of the health sectors), economic ( so many clients are rendered poor

and their productive skill and capacity diminished, productivity is also affected as the number

of man power in the industries and other sectors of the economy are affected and reduced),

educational sector (the epidemic has greatly reduced the demand and zeal for education

among the stigmatized clients). Apparently these effects are so much and in situations

whereby there exists no comprehensive and adequate treatment centers, HIV/AIDS diminish

or destroys the quality of life before it takes away life itself.

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4.4 Responses towards Stigmatization and Scourge of People Living with HIV/AIDS

(PLWHA)

Realizing the menacing effects and the great impacts which the HIV/AIDS epidemic

has brought about to the nation, there has been renewed and more determined efforts at

curbing and taming the negative attitudes shown the clients of HIV/AIDS; such step if

properly implemented and sustained will necessarily facilitate a HIV/AIDS free Nigerian

society.

4.4.1 Governmental Involvement

Government involvement in the fight against the stigma and stigmatization PLWHA in

Nigeria may not be directly felt by the clients or people who are affected as a result of the

epidemic, however through her initiatives, funding and collaboration with the private sectors

and other funding agencies she has contributed greatly in these fight. Restrictions as regards

the rights and privileges of PLWHA are been lifted and she has not relented in the fight

towards achieving universal HIV treatment for all clients. Realizing the uncompromising

nature of the epidemic, the government has also encouraged the various agencies which are

saddled with responsibility of curbing the rate of stigmatization in the nation. The

establishment of various agencies which are saddled with the responsibility of attending to

the needs PLWHA is a visible evidence of its resolve to effectively arrest the escalating rate

of the epidemic necessitated greatly by the negative attitudes shown the clients of HIV/AIDS.

Through the establishment of ARV Centres and clinics across the nation and the sponsorship

of programmes to facilitate awareness and the true knowledge of the epidemic, government

has also contributed immensely in the fight against stigma and stigmatization; to a large

extent it reduces the level of illiteracy and promotes a culture of responsibility and

accessibility to treatment across the nation.

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4.4.2 NGO Participation

The Nigerian community has benefitted immensely from the participation of NGOs and

funding agencies who over the course of many years have not relented in the fight against the

deadly epidemic, its stigma and the high level of stigmatization accrued its clients. In Nigeria

NGO participation range from local to international funding agencies that have continuously

sponsored enlightenment campaign programmes, accessible treatment, care and support and

also facilitates the culture of acceptability and hope for the clients of HIV/AIDS. PLWHA in

their need are supported and relieved from the tyranny of ignorance that keeps them bound

and captive. Worthy of mention is the sponsorship programmes implemented by these

agencies; their presence and impact s indeed felt all over the globe. Most of these agencies

employ the clients of HIV/AIDS in a bid to care for them, make them responsible and

provide for their needs. Care Centres in some of the teaching hospitals across the nation are

sponsored by these agencies. Pertinent to mention is the fact that, the fight against stigma and

stigmatization is an ongoing adventure. Examples of NGOs whose impact are felt in the

nation today include: UNAIDS, UNICEF, UNESCO, PACA, GLOBAL FUND FOR

HIV/AIDS, WORLD BANK, PEPFAR, PROJECT HOPE, CHEDCOM and CRS

4.4.3 The Churches¶ Response

Realizing her place in the economy of saving and restoring the dignity and the value of

human life in all its facets and limitations, the church has added her voice in the fight against

stigma and stigmatization which exists consciously and unconsciously in the country and

especially amongst her faithful; the pandemic has emerged as a crucial and vital task for the

church in Africa and Nigeria. As part of her response towards purging the turgid negative

attitudes shown the clients of HIV/AIDS, the church over the years has preached and
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promoted the culture of life, positive living, the purging of bias about the true nature of the

epidemic with the implementation of awareness programmes, the promotion of values among

the infected and the affected, the celebration of the dignity of the human body and the

constant call to a more descent, purposeful and positive living. Furthermore, describing

HIV/AIDS as a time bomb, which has just exploded in Nigeria and which has so many lives

and has left a significant number in ruins, the Catholic Bishops Conference in Nigeria

(CBCN) remarked:‘ !$%‘
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Attracting ecclesiastical concern is the devastating plaque and nature of the epidemic,

which her wisdom is discovered to be greatly fuelled by ignorance and the negative attitude

shown the carries of the virus; no wonder an essential aspect of the church¶s apostolate is the

restoration of lost hope and permanent eradication of the menacing disease in the global

human society. Sequel to her tenacious efforts at curbing and arresting the HIV/AIDS

pandemic and negative attitudes shown its clients, µthe church is convinced that without a

resurgence of moral responsibility and a reaffirmation of fundamental moral values any

programme based on information alone will be ineffective and even counterproductive.¶13

So far the HIV/AIDS campaigns that are lacking in moral content have greatly

contributed to the spreading of the disease.14 Regardless of attacks from the media and some

NGOs on the position of the church as regards the use of condoms, the church has maintained

her stands on the fact that condom use in itself is unethical and owing to its exaltation by the

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media and some agencies has led many especially the youths to becoming unintended clients

of the epidemic. The acts of not conducting, contracting, and annulling marriages on the

ground of HIV/AIDS infection have been greatly reviewed. PLWHA are as such given full

rights and responsibilities in the church and are not denied access to church programmes,

positions and functions.

4.5 The way forward in the fight against Stigmatization

For a nation greatly ravaged by the HIV/AIDS epidemic and that which seeks to attain

her millennium development goals and also attain a generation of HIV/AIDS, efforts at

fighting against stigmatization should be greatly upheld and held with high esteem.

Preventing stigma experience and interaction reveal, becomes an indispensable condition in

the fight against stigmatization of PLWHA in a country like Nigeria. As such to arrest this

trend, there is need for a collective and holistic approach in the fight and struggle.

4.5.1 The Media¶s Participation

The media are widely acknowledged as a platform for change: behavioral change and

important policy change. Particularly in terms of the HIV/AIDS pandemic, the media is

discovered as possessing the essential qualities to play the crucial role of a critical agent to

induce the positive behavioral change that can stem the tide of the epidemic in the nation. In

an effort to combat and tame the increasing number of clients suffering undue pressure,

persecution, slight, scorn, denial and pain, the media¶s participation in the fight against such

stigma and stigmatization should be particularly applicable to Nigeria, which has a very

vibrant media industry that has developed over the years.

No doubt, as agenda setters, the mass media remain one of the best means through

which the µwar¶ against HIV/AIDS could be fought. In its efforts at combating the negative

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attitudes shown the PLWHA in Nigeria, the media have been major crusaders in the fight

against the pandemic, especially with regard to event oriented reporting, advert campaigns

and stigma reduction. Unfortunately, media efforts in Nigeria generally are still not good

enough as it those not cover every part of the vast geographical horizon of the nation.

However it is observed with great sadness that regardless of her efforts, the media are widely

acknowledged as a platform for change.

Particularly in terms of the HIV/AIDS pandemic, the media play the crucial role of a

critical agent to induce the positive behavioral change that can stem the tide of the epidemic.

This should be particularly applicable to Nigeria, which has a very vibrant media industry. As

agenda setters, the mass media remain one of the best means through which the µwar¶ against

HIV/AIDS could be fought. In Nigeria, the media have been major crusaders in the fight

against the pandemic, especially with regard to event oriented reporting, advert campaigns

and stigma reduction. Unfortunately, media efforts in Nigeria generally are still not good

enough. There is this notable glamorization of the HIV/AIDS issue by the media which tend

to downplay the seriousness of the pandemic; It is equally disheartening that most local

television and radio stations in Nigeria are yet to develop their own indigenous HIV/AIDS

programmes, that is, programmes that are not sponsored by government, NGOs and similar

stakeholders. They should accelerate the progress of the µcombat¶ by being at the forefront of

the campaign against further spread of HIV/AIDS. This could be achieved through intensified

in-depth objective news reports, constructive new analyses, features, in-depth interviews,

powerful editorials, cartoons, documentaries and news commentaries. They should also

evolve more educative and in-depth multi faceted programmes that will expose the various

faces of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Essentially, this will empower the society with regards to

understanding and appreciating the impact of the HIV/AIDS in the society and further lower

the prevalence rate.

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 There is this notable glamorization of the HIV/AIDS issue by the media which tend to

downplay the seriousness of the pandemic and has led many to their early graves and a host

of others affected. To effectively combat stigma and stigmatization in a nation richly blessed

with human and natural resources, they should accelerate the progress of the µcombat¶ by

being at the forefront of the campaign against further spread of HIV/AIDS in the society and

especially at the grass roots. This could be achieved through intensified in-depth objective

and unbiased news reports, constructive new analyses, features, in-depth interviews and

interactions with clients and the affected, powerful editorials, cartoons, documentaries, news

commentaries and sensitization of the general public. Furthermore as the reputable crusader

using agenda-setting techniques, the media could achieve tremendous results. There is need

for the media to mainstream HIV/AIDS in their programme content. They should also evolve

more educative and in-depth multi faceted programmes that will expose the various faces of

the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Essentially, this will empower the society with regards to

understanding and appreciating the impact of the HIV/AIDS in the society and further lower

the prevalence rate. Worth of mention is the disturbing and an emerging disturbing trend in

media coverage of HIV/AIDS in Nigeria visibly manifested in their µkid gloves¶ approach to

the portrayal of the pandemic. In this regard, it is evident that the media are not quite realistic

in their portrayal. They are beginning to paint a benign picture of the pandemic, with the

language often detracting from clearly portraying the seriousness of the disease and the

sacredness and dignity of the human being. This apparently explains why the media tend to

downplay the effect of the pandemic in their use of language. However, giving the

inadequate manner of media presentation of the pandemic, there is an obvious need for

intense diversified media approach to the issue in a bid to salvage the dignity of the infected

and affected in Nigeria. Is this stride the only way?

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 4.5.2 PLWHA involvement

Notwithstanding the media¶s efforts at combating and arresting the alarming rate of

stigma and stigmatization which has eaten deep like a cancer worm into the hearts of a great

majority of the Nigerian populace, PLWHA involvement is recognized as essential. Based on

this claim, it is greatly encouraged that PLWHA be invited, endorsed, enurgurated and

motivated so as to become stakeholders, partners and members of ecclesiastical, national,

international and local initiatives. It is believed that such actions and initiatives will to a very

large extent empower, reorient, purge away, heal broken hearts, restore shattered hopes and

desires and help communities to realize that the clients of the deadly epidemic are not

responsible or the cause of HIV/AIDS epidemic disaster, but are indispensable and

intrinsically part of the solution. Another aspect of PLWHA participation in this national

battle, it is great necessity and importance for the government, NGO and the religious bodies

to implement lasting and enduring training programmes specifically for PLWHA to help

them advocate for their fundamental human rights and equally participate actively in taking

care of their own health. In addition, µby participating in interventions (such as PMTCT

services or HIV prevention and case education) as voluntary advisors, board members or paid

employers, PLWHA will demonstrate their ability to maintain productive members of the

community; these normalize the experience of living with HIV infection.¶15 Sequel to these, it

is been observed that involving PLWHA actively will help them gain and practice life skills

in communication, negotiation, conflict resolution and decision making, empower them to

HIV/AIDS related stigma. Also it will support the establishment of PLWHA organizations

and networks, promote the active involvement of PLWHA in national and local activities to

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foster positive perceptions of people living HIV. It will also them to join the fight against

stigma and stigmatization. 16

4.5.3 Care for People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA)

In the fight against stigma and stigmatization, an inhuman and unethical behaviour,

care for people living with HIV/AIDS in indispensable. It is encourage that an individual

diagnosed and living with HIV/AIDS should be helped to avoid self-destructive thinking or

talk which would make him or her stressful; this will in turn, improve their behaviour and

feelings especially by confronting unrealistic thoughts and beliefs.17 Furthermore, caregivers

and indeed all the citizens should: Encourage families, friends, health care professionals and

government to establish deeper relationship by showing great tenderness, love, warmth and

solidarity towards the HIV infected persons. In addition, it is paramount to help them avoid

other infections such as cold, chicken pox or measles; caregiver are on the other hand advised

to carefully stay away from making bodily contacts with the affected parts so that they will

not get infected. Most importantly too, wash your hands thoroughly so as not to give them

added infection.18

Like all terminally ill persons, people suffering from the torture and excruciating pain

of HIV/AIDS never fully recover from their sense of loss as often is the case, however they

can be helped to rebuild, reformulate, revalidate, and redefine their personal meaning of life,

prevent lasting stress and subsequently preserve personal, psychological and spiritual

integrity. Adequate care should be taken when administering care to the clients so as to avoid

been infected by their blood.

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4.4.4 Existentialist Philosophy of Living with HIV/AIDS

As an intellectual discipline which strives towards the liberation of man from all form s

of illiteracy, vices, intellectual imprisonment and on the other hand seek to enhance his

knowledge and appreciation of reality regardless of its limitedness and uncertainties, the

philosophical enterprise presents itself as a bedrock of wisdom and rationality which seeks

the utmost causes and sources of reality comprising which comprise events, life situations,

conditions; the list is far in exhaustible. In responding to the negative attitudes towards clients

of the deadly global treat and killer and to achieve a HIV/AIDS Nigerian society, philosophy

serves and plays a significant role in the lives of persons living with HIV/AIDS. To this

effect, the existentialist philosophy serves as indispensable and very vital to the clients in

their response and acceptance of their health conditions. They encourage us all irrespective of

region, state, tribe, culture, ethnicity and religious view and practice to strive to be our

authentic selves in every situation regardless of whatever be the condition; apparently, one

should guide against been completely determined or influenced by public opinion, taboo or

scornful accolades as has always been the case in our contemporary Nigerian society.

Existentialist philosophers will argue and encourage us that whatever be our

predicament and experiences, the infected, affected, vulnerable and the individuals whose

hopes have be dashed and shattered by this pandemic, should not sink into despair, resolve to

self annihilation and plans of revenge because of the stigma attached to HIV/AIDS. Soren

Kierkegaard (1813-1855), Danish religious philosopher, whose concern with individual

existence, choice, and commitment profoundly influenced modern theology and philosophy,

especially existentialism,19 maintained that human beings should seek God through faith and

19
"Søren Kierkegaard." Microsoft® Encarta® 2009 [DVD]. Redmond, WA: Microsoft
Corporation, 2008.
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indeed all that exists on mother earth so as to live uprightly and through which all and sundry

is able to commune with God.20 Indeed attaining a HIV/AIDS free Nigerian generation is a

possible reality.

4.6 HIV/AIDS Free Nigerian Society.

Attaining a generation and a nation free from the menacing effect of HIV/AIDS is a

reality that dwells so precious in the hearts of the global audience. Scientists and medical all

over the world are in no small measure putting out all their efforts together in a hope of

discovering a vaccine that will be the cure of this global killer. Is attaining a HIV/AIDS free

Nigerian society a realizable possibility? Can we meet UNAIDS 2010 vision of Zero new

HIV infections, zero discrimination, zero related AIDS deaths? Struggle no doubt continues

to ensure and realize this dream.

4.6.1 National Prevention Plan in Nigeria

The planned move by the Federal Government to the halt the spread of the Human

Immuno-deficiency Virus and the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) and

achieve universal access to antiretroviral (ARV) drugs by people living with the virus by

2015 is commendable. Under the plan, more than 850,000 Nigerians living with the virus and

who are in dire need of ARV drugs will have access to treatment. According to the Director

General of the National Agency for Control of AIDS (NACA), Prof. John Idoko, µµour

common goal is to halt and reverse the spread of HIV by 2015 and in so doing also contribute

to the developmental goals of the nation including vision 20-2020.´21 Available record from

NACA show that there are 2.9 million Nigerians living with HIV/AIDS and only about

400,000 of the 850,000 that need treatment are currently accessing it. Currently there are

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about 1,198 treatment sites spread across the nation whereby those living with the virus can

access treatment;22 NACA wants to ensure that HIV prevention, treatment, care and support

services reach all who need them.

The obligations towards promoting a HIV/AIDS free generation had previously been

explored through several youth±focused initiatives for both in-school and out-of-school

individuals, which in response to the need to intensify prevention efforts, the Children and

AIDS Section, UNICEF Nigeria, was funded by Starwood UK to pilot a HIV prevention

intervention with young people. Titled, "Intensifying HIV prevention with out-of-school

young people", this project was conceptualized to focus on using radio drama programs and

sports to provide comprehensive HIV prevention information, life skills and referral for

services too hard to reach regarding out-of-school young people in four states namely,

Gombe, Kaduna, Cross River and Akwa-Ibom States. Furthermore, the Federal Government,

organized United Nation Children Fund Country Programme 2009-2012 with the aim to

reach at least 40 per cent of the adolescent and young people between 15-24 years with HIV

prevention, information, life skills and referrals to youth friendly health service providers by

the end of 2012. For the purpose of contributing to the national development goals and the

MDGs, this proposal was developed to key into the UNICEF OSY project.23 Government

has also begun the decentralization of Care Centres across the nation so as to address and

meet the needs of PLWHA.

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23
http://www.tribune.com.ng/index.php/features/19580 -hivaids-pandemic-what-future-for-

the-youth-and-mdgs . Accessed on 10 April 2011

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