First Lady Calls for Unified Action to Reduce HIV Infections

Mrs. Rebecca Akufo-Addo, the First Lady of Ghana, has called for a concerted effort to tackle HIV stigma, ensure equitable access to prevention services, and uphold human rights.

Speaking at the 2024 National HIV Prevention Summit in Accra, Mrs. Akufo-Addo emphasized the need to address barriers such as discrimination, stigma, and unequal healthcare access that hinder effective HIV prevention efforts in Ghana.

She underscored the importance of a collective approach from all sectors of society to eliminate HIV stigma and discrimination.

The summit, held under the theme “Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges, Uniting for Effective HIV Response,” aimed to foster collaboration and innovation in HIV prevention strategies.

Mrs. Akufo-Addo stressed the urgency of providing communities with the knowledge, resources, and support necessary to take charge of their health and protect themselves from HIV transmission.

Dr. Kyeremeh Atuahene, Director General of the Ghana AIDS Commission, highlighted the critical stage of Ghana’s HIV response, noting the availability of scientific tools and strategies to combat the disease despite global economic challenges.

He identified insufficient funding, non-compliance with preventive measures, and persistent stigma as ongoing obstacles to achieving comprehensive HIV prevention, treatment, care, and support by 2030.

Dr. Atuahene emphasized the need for Ghana to prioritize its HIV prevention roadmap and scale up preventive interventions to meet global targets by 2025.

He outlined plans to implement people-centred prevention models tailored to individuals at high risk of HIV acquisition.

The summit, which follows the 2025 HIV Prevention Road Map Review and Milestone Setting Workshop, aims to finalize national agendas and foster partnerships to strengthen HIV prevention strategies in Ghana.

By addressing these challenges and leveraging innovative technologies, Ghana aims to enhance accountability and accelerate progress towards reducing HIV infections nationwide.