Delta Assembly Advances HIV/AIDS Protection Bill

The Delta State House of Assembly has advanced legislative action on public health and gaming regulation, as a bill to strengthen protection for persons living with HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis B and C scaled second reading during plenary.

The session, held Tuesday, April 21, was presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Arthur Akpowvowo.

Leading debate on the bill, the House Leader, Emeka Nwaobi, said the proposed legislation seeks to repeal the existing law and expand its scope through 39 clauses and nine parts.

He noted that the bill will prohibit discrimination and strengthen prevention and protection measures, while also promoting public sensitisation to curb the spread of HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis B and C.

Nwaobi added that the legislation would ensure safe and disease-free blood transfusion practices across the state, ultimately improving public health outcomes.

Lawmakers who contributed to the debate described the bill as timely, stressing that it would significantly safeguard the health and well-being of residents. The bill was subsequently referred to the House Committee on Health for further legislative scrutiny.

Meanwhile, the House also considered the report of the Committee on Trade and Investment on the Delta State Gaming Board Bill.

Presenting the report, Committee Chairman Collins Egbetamah said the bill seeks to repeal existing laws on lotteries, gaming, and pool betting, while establishing a unified legal framework through the creation of the Delta State Lottery and Gaming Board.

According to him, the proposed law will regulate and control gaming activities across the state, addressing challenges caused by multiple existing laws.