Activity: Research Proposal Presentation
Date: Tuesday, 22nd October 2019

Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) face varying layers of marginalization in different sectors in Nigeria. It is common knowledge the deprivation they face in terms of basic amenities and opportunities. This leaves them defenceless and vulnerable.

The stigma and discrimination associated with disability is huge. The stigma heightens if the same person is Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) positive. It becomes a double or multiple layer of stigma and discrimination.

Imagine the strain on their health as they deal with various issues including having to achieve maximum adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy (HIV treatment).

Therefore, to understand the complexities surrounding these, it is worth studying the lived experiences of Persons living with disabilities and HIV. This was at the centre of my presentation today to my friends and colleagues. For many of them, it exposed them to the evident but neglected oppressions faced by PWDs living with HIV. It was a very engaging conversation which also provided me with more insights for my research.

It is my hope that the findings from my research will provide direction for HIV programming for PWDs in Nigeria and other regions.

It is time we understand that the problem is not with PWDs, the problem is with society and its avoidable barriers.

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