Abesim: The Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC) has concluded a two-day training workshop focused on HIV and Tuberculosis (TB) with an emphasis on strengthening stakeholder collaborations to achieve the '95-95-95' target for comprehensive epidemic control.
According to Ghana News Agency, the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets are global objectives aimed at diagnosing, treating, and suppressing HIV to facilitate the end of the AIDS epidemic. This involves ensuring that 95 percent of all people living with HIV are aware of their status, 95 percent of diagnosed individuals receive sustained antiretroviral therapy (ART), and 95 percent of people on ART achieve viral load suppression by 2030.
Mr. Isaac Doe Kwao, Director of Research Monitoring and Evaluation at the GAC, emphasized the need for stakeholder support to ensure equity and equality in accessing healthcare services. The workshop, organized in collaboration with the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) and supported by UNAIDS and the Global Fund, took place in Abesim, near Sunyani. It is part of a series aimed at addressing stigma, discrimination, and human rights issues related to HIV and TB across various zones in the country.
The event brought together legal practitioners, traditional leaders, law enforcement officers, educators, and civil society actors. Mr. Kwao, speaking on behalf of Dr. Kharmacelle Prosper Akanbong, Director General of the GAC, reiterated the commission's commitment to achieving zero new HIV infections and deaths. He expressed hope that participants would apply the knowledge gained to combat public stigmatization and discrimination against individuals living with HIV.
Mrs. Mercy Larbi, Deputy Commissioner of CHRAJ, praised the participants' engagement and urged them to actively contribute to reducing HIV stigmatization, a significant national concern. She stressed the importance of enhanced public education to dispel myths and misconceptions fueling stigma and discrimination.
The workshop covered topics such as 'myths and buster', 'workplace policy and HIV/TB human rights strategic plan 2026-2030', and 'strengthening systems for tracking, reporting, and addressing HIV/TB'. Panel discussions also explored the roles of legal assistance institutions and communities in addressing HIV/TB-related human rights issues.