The Director General of the Ghana AIDS Commission, Dr. Kyeremeh Atuahene, has revealed that some persons living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) shy away from treatment due to societal stigma.
According to the National HIV and AIDS Control Programme of the Ghana Health Service, over 34,000 new HIV infections were detected between January and the third quarter of 2024.
In an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, Dr. Atuahene explained that this reluctance to seek treatment is largely due to the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS.
The phenomenon, he said, is concerning because it jeopardizes the health and lives of those living with the virus (PLWAs).
He emphasized that HIV treatment, including anti-retroviral drugs, is free and readily available at various health facilities.
“The drugs are free, but because of stigmatization, a lot of people shy away. I know someone in Tamale who called me for a location in Accra to get the drugs. So, every now and then, the person travels to Tema to collect them,” he said.
He also mentioned that many people are hiding their HIV status from their spouses and families. Some children who are on HIV treatment do not even understand the reason for their medication.
According to Dr. Atuahene, all that is required to access these services is a valid National Health Insurance card.
He urged HIV patients to embrace treatment to maintain viral suppression and advised the public to avoid stigmatizing individuals living with HIV.
“We are engaging the patients to help them not shy away or be afraid, because if they focus on the stigma, they will not experience the joy of living a peaceful life,” he added.
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