Aniekwu N.I

Improving the social and legal status of HIV-affected populations including their human rights are necessary undertakings in combating the HIV/AIDS scourge in Nigeria. Vulnerability to the disease depends to a large extent on the legal, social and economic conditions in each country. The need for the protection of human rights in HIV- related care, prevention and treatment programs is vital because of the stigma and discrimination surrounding the disease. Protection is needed in many areas of human rights law, especially of groups most commonly affected by the pandemic such as women, children and young people. Integrating human rights protection in Government policies on HIV/AIDS and sensitizing AIDS service organizations are thus essential activities to be embarked UPON in containing the spread of the disease. This paper suggests a human rights based response to HIV/AIDS. It provides a legal and ethical framework for government policies and prevention/care programmes in Nigeria, that would enable the society and individuals respond effectively to the disease.