Western Regional AIDS Committee Inaugurated to Combat HIV/AIDS

Sekondi: A nine-member Western Regional Committee of the Ghana AIDS Commission (ReCCOM) has been inaugurated with a mandate to help accelerate strategies and responses against HIV/AIDS infections in the region. Mr Joseph Nelson, the Western Regional Minister, who inaugurated the ReCCOM at Sekondi, said the constitution of the committee was in fulfilment of the Ghana AIDS Commission Act, 2016 (Act 938), and that it marked a significant milestone in strengthening the decentralised co-ordination of Ghana's national HIV/AIDS response. According to Ghana News Agency, the Western Region, like the nation as a whole, continued to face challenges in reducing new HIV infections, eliminating stigma and discrimination, while ensuring equitable access to treatment and care for all. The Regional Minister highlighted that new HIV infections remained unacceptably high, noting that the 2024 data from the Ghana AIDS Commission showed 1,120 new HIV infections in the region, representing an average of three new infections each day. 'Unfortunately, these high numbers have remained consistent over the past five years,' Mr Nelson added. He further emphasized that the Western Region, endowed with abundant natural resources and positioned as a hub of national development, envisions wealth creation and shared prosperity. However, the Minister cautioned that without sustained efforts to combat HIV and AIDS, especially amid diminishing donor support, the region could face severe consequences. The human resource base driving industries, communities, and families was at risk, making it imperative for ReCCOM to double its efforts, mobilize resources, and vigorously pursue its prevention mandate. Mr Nelson also urged government agencies, civil society organisations, traditional authorities, the media, and the private sector, among other stakeholders, to collaborate and commit unwaveringly to halting new infections, eliminating stigma, and strengthening systems for prevention, treatment, and care in the region.