National HIV symposium closes

Justice minister Eugene Wamalwa has urged society to desist from stigmatising the 1.5 million people living with Aids in the country.

Speaking while closing the inaugural national symposium on HIV, Law and Human Rights held at Crowne Plaza Hotel in Nairobi, Mr Wamalwa said: "There is need to change out attitude if the war on HIV and Aids is to be won in this country since the Constitution is clear that there should be no discrimination against those infected and affected."

Mr Wamalwa assured that people living with HIV would be accorded the dignity they deserved and their rights would be upheld.

He affirmed this promise by quoting the words of George Bernard Shaw: "The greatest cruelty by man to man is not hate but to be indifferent to a fellow human being."

Mr Wamalwa described Kenya as among the pioneer countries in the region which had established an Equity Tribunal to address issues affecting people living with HIV and Aids.

"I would like to thank the various development partners who have joined in the realisation of this initiative."

Earlier, a representative of people living with HIV, Ms Dorothy Onyango, supported the formation of the tribunal but called for the repeal of a law that penalises individuals who infect others with HIV.

"We would like to people living with HIV to have access to justice while those infected and living at the grassroots should be protected from harmful cultural practises."

Ms Onyango--who announced her intention to run for the Kibera parliamentary seat--also urged the Government to protect the rights of children born with HIV.

"The Government should also protect the human rights of those living with HIV by ensuring they are not discriminated against while seeking employment, education and accessing official documents," she said.

Several individuals and organisations were feted by the National Aids Control Council for playing a critical role in the fight against HIV and Aids in the country.

Among those who received awards during the ceremony presided over by radio personality Caroline Mutoko was prominent Nairobi lawyer Ambrose Rachier and an aspiring Kiambu senator David Kuria.

Another person living with HIV, Ms Inviolata Mbwavi, also announced her intention to run for the Lurambi parliamentary seat.