By Michael Foli Jackidy
Ho (V/R), Dec 2, GNA – The Volta Region has inaugurated a reconstituted Regional Committee of the Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC) and held a stakeholder forum to strengthen coordination in the fight against HIV and AIDS.
Mr James Gunu, Volta Regional Minister and Chair of the Committee, said the inauguration marked another important step in the collective effort to eliminate HIV and AIDS in the Volta Region and Ghana as a whole.
He commended members for accepting to serve, noting that their presence reflects commitment to the challenging but critical task ahead.
Mr Gunu acknowledged the pivotal role the Ghana AIDS Commission has played over the years in coordinating the national response, working with government, civil society, development partners, and communities to reduce new infections, expand treatment access, and combat stigma and discrimination.
He explained that the reconstitution of the Regional Committee was in accordance with Section 9 of the Ghana AIDS Commission Act, 2016 (Act 938), which mandates a four-year term of office for members.
The previous Volta Regional Committee was inaugurated on 26 June 2018.
The statutory composition of the Regional Committee includes: The Regional Minister (Chairperson), Regional Director of Health Services, Representative of Persons Living with HIV Network Association, Representative of a Civil Society Organisation working in HIV and AIDS, Representative of a Christian group, Representative of the Federation of Muslim and Ahmadiyya Missions, Representative of the Regional House of Chiefs, Regional Director of Education and the Regional Technical Coordinator (Secretary)
Mr Gunu said strengthening regional structures is vital to achieving national targets, including the 95-95-95 Fast-Track Goals by 2025: 95 per cent of people living with HIV knowing their status, 95 per cent of those diagnosed receiving sustained antiretroviral therapy, 95 per cent of those on treatment achieving viral suppression
He reaffirmed government’s commitment, through the Ministry of Health, the Ghana Health Service, and the GAC to improving prevention, testing, and treatment services nationwide.
The Minister also praised health workers, NGOs, and community organisations for their tireless contributions.
“Your efforts have saved lives and given hope to many.”
He urged the newly inaugurated Committee to work with diligence, integrity, and passion.
“We must build a healthier, more resilient Volta Region, one free from the fear and burden of HIV and AIDS.”
He pledged that every Municipal and District Assembly in the region would have active, functional GAC structures to support the 2030 goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat.
Madam Mary Naa Asheley Anyomi, Volta Regional Technical Coordinator of the Ghana AIDS Commission, also expressed appreciation to members for accepting to serve.
She underscored the Commission’s mandate to coordinate the national HIV response and the importance of strengthening decentralised structures for effective regional action.
The forum aimed to inaugurate the reconstituted Regional Committee, Orient members on their roles and mandate, Present the region’s HIV epidemiological profile and strategic priorities, enable stakeholder dialogue on challenges and innovations, strengthen partnerships and mobilise support for regional initiatives
“Let us work together in unity and end AIDS by 2030,” she said.
Committee members pledged full cooperation and support to enable the team to discharge its mandate effectively.
GNA
Edited By: Maxwell Awumah/Kenneth Odeng Adade