by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
It has been observed that, about 2,000 children are currently living with HIV/AIDS, as well as over 47,000 persons currently receiving treatment for the scourge – including more than 600 pregnant women living with diseases.
This was disclosed by Coordinator of Civil Society for HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (CiSHAN) Plateau, Rev. Chris Damcher, while speaking during an official unveiling of a groundbreaking book, titled, ‘Eliminating HIV/AIDS Stigma and Discrimination: Rotchin Gotus, A Media Approach,’ written by Gabriel Gotus, which held on Saturday, at Lamon Conference Hall Jos.
He observed that, “Despite these realities, many infected persons still conceal their status due to fear of rejection, humiliation, and discrimination from society.”
While condemning self-stigmatization, Rev. Damcher warned that it destroys emotional stability faster than the disease itself, adding that “Self-stigmatization kills faster than anything.”
He further described the occasion as a “divine assignment” designed to confront fear, ignorance, and social rejection associated with HIV/AIDS.
According to him, God’s presence was evident at the gathering because the participants had assembled for a noble purpose capable of transforming lives.
He noted that, while medical interventions against HIV/AIDS have improved significantly over the years, stigma and discrimination continue to frustrate efforts aimed at ending the epidemic.
Rev. Damcher commended Gabriel Gotus for documenting the realities surrounding HIV/AIDS discrimination, adding that the book would become a vital advocacy instrument capable of reshaping public perception and restoring hope to vulnerable persons.
He further expressed confidence that the publication would transcend Plateau State and gain national and international recognition.
“This book will go beyond Plateau State. You will find it in Lagos, Port-Harcourt, Maiduguri, and even America,” he stated confidently.
In the same vein, an Interim Chairman of the launch committee, who represented Ambassador Chris Giwa, narrated a personal experience that exposed the psychological burden associated with HIV stigma.
He recalled how fear pushed him to insist on taking an HIV test after sustaining a minor injury during a routine haircut at a barber’s shop.
According to him, despite his age and social standing, the mere possibility of being associated with HIV created intense anxiety and emotional discomfort.
He noted that during the early years of HIV/AIDS in Nigeria and Africa, stigma often became more devastating than the disease itself.
He commended Gabriel Gotus for courageously confronting a topic many people avoid discussing openly, adding that society must stop intensifying the pain already faced by people living with HIV/AIDS.
He further pledged to personally mobilize political leaders and influential personalities to support the circulation and visibility of the book across the country.
Another “concerned” person, Prof. Chundung Miner, delivered a detailed chapter-by-chapter review of the 283-page publication.
While describing the book as both an advocacy tool and an academic resource, Prof. Chundung Miner added that, the publication consists of seven carefully-researched chapters addressing HIV/AIDS realities, treatment, prevention, stigma, discrimination, media advocacy, human rights, and public policy.
According to her, the author successfully blended facts, statistics, real-life stories, biblical inspiration, and policy analysis to create a publication that speaks not only to journalists but also healthcare workers, policymakers, employers, educators, religious leaders, and the general public.
Prof. Miner explained that Chapter One focuses on understanding HIV/AIDS, including transmission, prevention, treatment, and global statistics; while Chapter Two extensively addresses stigma and discrimination across communities, healthcare institutions, workplaces, schools, and justice systems.
She stressed that the author used tragic real-life experiences, including stories of individuals attacked after publicly disclosing their HIV status, to expose the dangerous consequences of ignorance and intolerance.
The book reviewer further explained that subsequent chapters examined HIV treatment, human rights protections, COVID-19 disruptions, and the strategic role of the media in changing public perception and combating discrimination.
She commended the section dedicated to media advocacy, stressing that ethical journalism and responsible communication remain critical tools in shaping public understanding of HIV/AIDS.
While highlighting the author’s extensive research work, she revealed that the publication contains over 350 references supported by real-life experiences, policy documents, scholarly materials, and expert quotations.
Representatives of various organizations, including Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria, Association of Women Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria, APIN Public Health Initiatives, Faith Alive Foundation, Plateau State Agency for the Control of AIDS, and the Plateau State Hospital Management Board, unanimously joined chorus to praise the initiative.
The organizations stressed that making the book widely accessible would significantly reduce stigma, improve awareness, and encourage people living with HIV/AIDS to seek treatment without fear.
Representing the Plateau State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nicholas Ba’amlong, ministry officials acknowledged that HIV/AIDS remains one of the most challenging public health issues globally.
The commissioner lamented that many infected persons still travel long distances to access treatment simply to avoid being recognized within their communities.
According to him, stigma and discrimination continue to discourage many people from openly accessing healthcare services.
He, therefore, urged institutions, organizations, and individuals to obtain copies of the book and use them as tools for enlightenment and advocacy.
The ministry further commended the author for producing what it described as a “timely intervention” capable of positively influencing public attitudes.
Executive Director of PLACA, Mrs. Esther Turaki, along with representatives of the agency described the occasion as a moment of learning, reflection, and renewed determination to end HIV/AIDS stigma.
She acknowledged the enormous role played by the media in promoting awareness and changing public narratives surrounding HIV/AIDS.
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with stakeholders to achieve the global target of ending HIV/AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
The author, Gabriel Rotchin Gotus, expressed profound appreciation to guests, development partners, civil society groups, donors, journalists, and supporters who attended the launch despite their demanding schedules.
He thanked contributors for supporting the vision behind the publication and prayed for safe journeys for participants returning to their various destinations.