Zero Discrimination Day on HIV and other Diseases

Freetown, March 2nd 2016 Ministry of Health and Sanitation (MOHS) - Sierra Leone has joined the world over to observe Zero Discrimination Day on HIV and other diseases on the theme: “Stand out and encourages everyone to stand for fair and just societies”.

Addressing the Press on Tuesday March 1, 2016 at the Health Ministry’s conference hall in Freetown, the Deputy Minister of Health and Sanitation 1, Foday Sawi Lahai while speaking on the theme observed that discrimination remains widespread in gender, nationality, age, ethnic origin, religion or even HIV and Ebola.

He reminded journalists that society values have also condemned key populations such as those living with HIV, EVD survivors, women and people with disability, pointing out that health care setting, communities and workplaces should be considered as safe and caring environment for vulnerable.

“Any obstacles that inhibit access to healthcare facilities that destroy self-esteem must be removed” he comments. He continues that access to health, respect for the other and the dignity of every person regardless of their biological, gender, social, economic circumstances must be guaranteed by law and practice.

The government of Sierra Leone with other partners he said is working to ensure that stigma and discrimination does not exist.

Follow up article http://news.sl/drwebsite/publish/article_200528301.shtml