By Solomon Gumah
Tamale, Nov 14, GNA – The Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC) has inaugurated its Northern Regional Committee in Tamale to strengthen efforts aimed at sustaining the region’s progress in the national response against HIV.
The ceremony, held at the Regional Coordinating Council, brought together representatives from state institutions, faith-based organisations, civil society groups, and persons living with HIV, who make up the membership of the Regional Committee (RECCOM).
Members of the Committee include the Northern Regional Minister as Chairperson, Regional Directors of the Ghana Health Service and the Ghana Education Service, the Registrar of the Regional House of Chiefs, the Zonal Coordinator of the Christian Council of Ghana, the Regional Coordinator of the Muslim Council of Ghana, and the Regional Chairperson of NAP+ among others.
The Technical Coordinator of the Technical Support Unit (TSU) serves as Secretary to the Committee.
Mr Musah Nuhu, Northern Regional Coordinator of the Ghana AIDS Commission, speaking during the inauguration, underscored the vital role of the Committee in supporting the Commission’s mandate, especially in decentralizing HIV and AIDS interventions across the region.
He urged members to be proactive in carrying out their duties to ensure improved coordination and impact.
Justice Emmanuel Bart Plange Brew, Supervising High Court Judge in Tamale, administered the oath of office and the oath of secrecy to the newly constituted members of the Committee.
He reminded members of the legal implications associated with breaching their oaths and encouraged them to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and confidentiality.
Mr Ali Adolf John, Northern Regional Minister, described the inauguration as a significant milestone in strengthening the region’s coordinated response to HIV and AIDS.
He noted that although progress had been made in treatment and care, recent data on the phenomenon required renewed vigilance.
He referenced the National and Sub-National HIV Estimates and Projections, which showed that the region’s HIV prevalence had increased from 0.38 per cent in 2023 to 0.44% in 2024.
Mr John expressed concern about persistent stigma and discrimination faced by persons living with HIV and urged the Committee to champion awareness creation, promote innovation, and implement targeted prevention programmes tailored to the region’s needs.
He appealed to the Ghana AIDS Commission and development partners for the necessary technical and financial support to enable the Committee to function effectively.
Dr Al-Hussein Zakaria, Northern Regional Coordinator of the Muslim Council of Ghana and a member of the Committee, affirmed the Committee’s readiness to execute its mandate and called on all stakeholders to support efforts to tackle HIV and AIDS in the region.
GNA
Edited by Eric K. Amoh/Christian Akorlie