HIV/AIDS Stigma and Discrimination in Nigeria

Kola A. Oyediran, Integrated Manpower Development Centre
Olaronke Ladipo, Harvard University
Jennifer Anyanti, Society for Family Health

The moral courage to combat social stigma and discriminatory attitudes associated with HIV/AIDS remains a challenge. Data from the National HIV/AIDS and Reproductive Health Survey were analysed to examine the prevalence of, and factors associated with, HIV/AIDS-related stigma and discrimination in Nigeria. The study revealed that two-thirds of Nigerians would want the status of family member who has HIV/AIDS remain secret, and over three-fifths have discriminatory attitudes towards a working colleague and pupil with HIV/AIDS. The prevalence of HIV/AIDS-related stigma was higher among women than men. Education, region, exposure to media, age, and cognitive measures were found to be related to the HIV/AIDS-related stigma and discriminatory attitudes. Hence, the issue of HIV/AIDS-related stigma and discrimination should be properly addressed, in Nigeria as elsewhere, so that the rights of PLWHA will not be eroded. This is imperative as HIV/AIDS-related stigmatization and discrimination threaten the effectiveness of preventive and care programmes.