By Solomon Gumah
Savelugu (N/R), Jan 14, GNA – The Northern Regional Committee of the Ghana AIDS Commission has held a durbar to interact with the Paramount Chief of Yoo Traditional Area and his elders in the Savelugu Municipality on HIV and AIDS.
It was to seek their support to increase awareness on the disease and help reduce cases of stigma amongst persons living with the disease in the area.
It was on the theme: “Take the Right Path: Ending AIDS Together, Stepping up Prevention Efforts”, and formed part of activities to commemorate the 2024 World AIDS Day.
During the durbar, some residents were screened/tested to know their HIV status.
Mr Nuhu Musah, Northern Regional Manager, Ghana AIDS Commission, speaking during the durbar at Savelugu, said it was to increase the understanding of chiefs and traditional authorities on the issues of HIV to enable them to champion the campaign against the spread of the disease in their areas.
He said it was also to promote, and advocate for equitable access to treatment and care and to help combat stigma and discrimination.
Mr Musah called on the media to intensify advocacy and awareness on the disease appealing to the traditional authorities to support the Commission’s efforts to tackle the prevalence of HIV and AIDS in the country.
Yoo-Naa Abdulai Andani (V), Paramount Chief of Yoo Traditional Area, assured the Committee of his commitment to supporting efforts towards reducing the spread of the disease.
He said, “I, therefore, urged the people of Dagbon and Ghana at large not to stigmatise or discriminate against people living with HIV. They take HIV medication like blood pressure medicine and they are just like you and I.”
Mr Sule Sulemana, Northern Regional Chairman of People Living with HIV, said the issues of stigma and discrimination killed victims faster than the disease itself hence need for all to desist from such acts.
He said, “I have been affected by HIV for the past 23 years but through medication I’m living a healthy life.”
GNA