INTERNATIONAL WORKERS’ DAY: NACA URGES ZERO DISCRIMINATION AGAINST WORKERS LIVING WITH HIV 01-05-05
By Sadiq Aminu As the world marks International Workers’ Day, the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has urged employers, unions, and government agencies to promote HIV awareness, education, and zero discrimination in the workplace.
In a statement on Thursday, NACA Director-General Temitope Ilori hailed workers’ for their contributions to nation building and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to inclusive, supportive workplaces.
“Workplaces are more than just sites of labor — they are communities,” Ilori said.
She noted that nearly 2 million Nigerians are living with HIV, many of whom are part of the workforce, facing both health challenges and social stigma.
“We must ensure that HIV is never a barrier to employment, dignity, or opportunity,” she stressed.
Ilori called for fair, safe, and supportive work environments, and reminded all stakeholders that “health rights are human rights.”
“Together, we can build a world where every worker, regardless of HIV status, is treated with respect, fairness, and care,” she added.