Tamale: Dr Prosper Kharmacelle Akanbong, the Director-General of the Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC), has urged members of the public to change their negative perceptions about HIV, adding that the disease is no longer a death sentence. He explained that 40 years after Ghana recorded its first diagnosed case, there had been advancements in treatment, and that the commission had transformed HIV into a manageable chronic condition, allowing persons living with the virus to lead healthy and productive lives.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr Akanbong made the call at a Human Rights Training Workshop on HIV and Tuberculosis (TB) held in Tamale. The workshop was organised by the GAC in collaboration with the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), with support from the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and the Global Fund. The training forms part of a nationwide series being held across the southern, middle, and northern zones to address stigma, discrimination, and human rights issues associated with HIV and TB.
Participants at the workshop included legal practitioners, traditional leaders, law enforcement officers, educators, and civil society actors. "As Ghana marks 40 years since the first diagnosed case of HIV, we must recognise that this is no longer a death sentence. With proper treatment, people can live normal lives just like those with other chronic conditions," Dr Akanbong said.
He, however, expressed concern that stigma and discrimination remained widespread in communities, discouraging people from testing and accessing treatment. "In many communities, once someone is identified as HIV positive, they are avoided and treated with disdain. This leads to self-stigma, withdrawal, and refusal to seek care, which ultimately fuels the spread of the virus," he said.
Dr Akanbong noted that discrimination also persisted in workplaces, where some Persons Living with HIV were denied promotions, training opportunities, and leadership positions. "These practices are against the law. People on treatment are healthy and capable of contributing meaningfully to society," he stressed. He called on members of the public to embrace persons living with HIV and support them to access treatment, noting that reducing stigma was critical to controlling the disease.
Mrs Mercy Larbi, the Deputy Commissioner of CHRAJ, said HIV and TB were not only public health issues but also human rights concerns that required a coordinated response. She said stigma, discrimination, and breaches of confidentiality continued to hinder access to healthcare and justice, particularly for vulnerable groups. "Protecting human rights is essential for an effective HIV and TB response. Without it, we cannot achieve lasting progress," she said.
Mrs Larbi highlighted CHRAJ's Stigma and Discrimination Reporting System as an important platform that enabled individuals to report abuses and seek redress. Mr Abu Sulemana, who had lived with HIV for nearly 24 years, encouraged people to discard the misconception that an HIV diagnosis marked the end of life. "I have lived with HIV for 24 years and I am still strong. With adherence to treatment, you can live a normal life," he said. He urged members of the public to regularly test for HIV, accept their status and strictly adhere to prescribed treatment.
Stakeholders at the workshop called for intensified public education and stronger enforcement of laws to eliminate stigma and discrimination.