Ghana Must Lead Its HIV Fight
Chairman of the Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC) Governing Board, Kakra Essamuah, has urged Ghanaians to take charge of the country’s HIV response. He warned that global funding is declining, which threatens the sustainability of national programmes.
He said Ghana’s success depends on local resource mobilisation, strong partnerships, and continued political and community support.
Private Sector Must Step Up
Speaking at the launch of the 2025 World AIDS Day in Accra on Tuesday, Mr. Essamuah called for greater private sector involvement. He explained that HIV affects productivity and slows economic growth.
“The private sector must rise to the challenge by investing in workplace HIV programmes and supporting awareness and testing drives,” he said.
Strengthening Local Support
Meanwhile, Acting Director-General of the GAC, Dr. Kharmacelle Prosper Akanbong, said Ghana must act fast to respond to global economic pressures and reduced donor aid. He encouraged citizens to contribute to the National HIV and AIDS Fund to sustain ongoing programmes.
According to him, “Ghana must mobilise, innovate, and lead its own HIV response.”
Ending Stigma and Discrimination
Additionally, Dr. Akanbong condemned stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV. He noted that HIV is now a manageable condition, and affected persons deserve respect and inclusion.
He said this year’s global theme, “Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response,” reflects Ghana’s current funding and health challenges.
Protecting Progress
Furthermore, Dr. Akanbong assured that the Commission will continue working with partners to maintain progress in prevention and treatment.
World AIDS Day, marked each year, renews Ghana’s commitment to ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
Activities Across the Country
This year’s campaign will promote voluntary testing, treatment adherence, and care in line with the UN 95-95-95 targets. Throughout November, the GAC will lead education and condom distribution programmes with support from local assemblies.
Finally, the celebration will end on December 1, 2025, with a national address by President John Dramani Mahama on Ghana’s HIV response.
