14 November 2008
The Light Association of Liberia, the umbrella organization of people living with HIV/ AIDS has gained regional recognition as a member of the regional body of people living with HIV/AIDS in West Africa.
Speaking to several people living with the deadly virus support groups around the country, the program manager of the organization which coordinates activities of people with HIV/AIDS, Network of People Living With HIV/AIDS in West Africa Group, Tete Wilson admonished Light members to constitute a direct voice in combating the virus.
He also said the time has come for Africans suffering from the virus to join effort and strongly advocate for better improvement for the HIV /AIDS affected people in the West African region.
The program manager reminded their Liberian counterparts that the fight against the spread of the HIV/ AIDS virus will not be possible, if people living with the virus are not involved in the struggle.
He noted that the stigma and discrimination against people with the disease is a huge challenge, but noted that with one understanding this can be dealt with.
Mr. Wilson called on the Liberian people living with HIV not to relent in speaking out things that are not going well with them.
Also speaking at the colorful ceremony, the Executive Secretary of the Regional body Leiliane N'boa said they are committed to collectively working with people living with HIV in the region, as a means of effectively responding to the global epidemic.
He revealed that the group will assist them in the area of empowerment, amongst others. Earlier, the President of the Light Association of Liberia, Joejoe Baysah expressed happiness over the visit of the regional delegation to Liberia.
He said the recognition of Light Association on the regional level, shows that they are not alone in the fight against stigma and discrimination in society.
He maintained that his organization will do everything in its power to implement programs of the regional body, especially in the interest of people living with HIV.
Mr. Baysah disclosed that stigma and discrimination are still major challenges for them in Liberia, but said with collective effort, all will be well The organization is operating in fourteen countries with headquarters in Dakar, Senegal.
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