By Opesika Tetteh Puplampu, GNA
Ada, March 9, GNA – The Naana Kakie Foundation, a non-governmental organisation focused on HIV/AIDS awareness and girl-child empowerment, has called on the Government and international partners to strengthen laws and policies that protect persons living with HIV from discrimination.
The call was contained in a statement issued in Ada to mark the 2026 International Women’s Day.
The Foundation urged authorities to intensify efforts aimed at safeguarding the rights, dignity and wellbeing of women and girls affected by HIV/AIDS.
The statement, signed by Ms Esther Kakie Ayimavor, also known as Naana Kakie, Chief Executive Officer of the Foundation, noted that despite years of public education and medical advancements, stigma and discrimination against persons living with HIV persist in communities, workplaces, schools and even within families.
It said such discrimination discourages many people from voluntarily testing for HIV or seeking treatment, thereby undermining national and global efforts to curb the spread of the virus.
The Foundation therefore called on government and relevant stakeholders to strengthen and enforce legal protections against discrimination in employment, education, healthcare and social interactions.
It further advocated the adoption of policies and sustained public education campaigns that encourage responsible disclosure of HIV status among partners in intimate relationships, while upholding confidentiality and human rights.
The statement stressed that honest communication between partners remained essential in preventing new infections and protecting individuals from unknowingly exposing themselves to the virus.
The Foundation also called for intensified public education to address misinformation, myths and misconceptions surrounding HIV/AIDS, noting that knowledge remained one of the most effective tools for preventing infections and reducing stigma.
It highlighted the need to expand programmes that empower girls and young women with accurate information and life skills to make informed decisions about their health and wellbeing.
According to the Foundation, young girls remain particularly vulnerable to HIV infection due to social pressures, limited access to information and economic challenges.
The statement urged government agencies, development partners and civil society organisations to invest more resources in youth-focused health education and empowerment initiatives.
It also encouraged all Ghanaians to regularly check their HIV status and support persons living with HIV without discrimination, adding that modern treatment enables individuals with HIV to live long, productive lives.
The Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with schools, communities, traditional leaders, health professionals and other stakeholders to promote HIV/AIDS awareness and combat stigma.
It said collective action from government, civil society and communities was essential to achieving an HIV-free and stigma-free society.
GNA
Edited by Laudia Anyorkor Nunoo / Lydia Kukua Asamoah