By Emelia B. Addae
Koforidua, June 27, GNA – Mr. Ernest Amoabeng Orstin, President of the Ghana HIV and AIDS Network (GHANET), has called on the Government to bolster its support for the national HIV/AIDS response amid sharp declines in international funding.
Addressing participants at a three-day workshop on gender and human rights-based social media campaigns in Koforidua, Mr. Orstin noted that the significant dwindling of donor contributions, particularly the withdrawal of U.S. aid, has severely disrupted GHANET’s operations and outreach efforts.
“For years, we’ve depended on support from the Global Fund and other international partners but the recent drop in funding has created a serious gap, threatening our ability to provide life-saving services,” he said.
“We need urgent intervention from the government to continue our mission,” he added.
Mr. Orstin called for increased availability of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) test kits, Antiretroviral Therapy (ART), Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), and other critical medical supplies across health facilities nationwide.
HIV is an infection that attacks the body’s immune system, and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is the most advanced stage of the disease.
He said AIDS significantly weakened the immune system, making individuals highly susceptible to opportunistic infections and certain cancers.
Without treatment, the progression to AIDS can lead to life-threatening illnesses and neurological problems, he indicated.
The training workshop aimed to equip journalists and other groups with the tools to support Ghana’s HIV response and reach vulnerable populations with impactful messaging.
He encouraged participants to apply the skills and knowledge acquired to promote informed, rights-based communication around HIV/AIDS to shape public’s mind and reduce stigmatisation.
The participants included the media personnel, and officials from the various institutions from five regions namely, Volta, Eastern, Central, Greater Accra, and Ashanti regions.
GNA
Edited by D.I. Laary/Christian Akorlie