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HIV is Not a Crime: Breaking the Chains of Stigma and Embracing Life

By NAP+ Ghana Editorial Every February 28, the world marks Raising Awareness of HIV is Not a Crime Day—a reminder that people living with HIV are not criminals, and their health status should never be used to discriminate against them. Yet, in Ghana and many parts of the world, stigma, discrimination, and harmful laws continue to create barriers for people living with HIV (PLHIV), making it difficult for them to access care, stay on treatment, and live fulfilling lives. But here’s the truth: HIV is no longer a death sentence, and thanks to scientific advancements, people living with HIV can lead long healthy lives. There Is Life After Testing Positive For many young people, discovering their HIV status can feel like the end of the world. The fear of rejection, societal judgment, and uncertainty about the future can be overwhelming. However, science has rewritten the story of HIV. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is now so effective that it allows PLHIV to live just as long as anyone else, ...
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Prioritize the Needs of Persons Living with HIV: A Call to Action for the President of Ghana and the New Director General of the GAC

By Richard Agodzo - NAP+ Ghana Ghana stands at a critical juncture in its HIV response. As we transition into a new administration with a newly appointed Director General of the Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC), it is imperative to reflect on the realities facing persons living with HIV (PLHIV) and the broader national strategy to sustain and improve the response to the epidemic. The decisions made now will determine whether Ghana can meet its global commitments and protect the lives of thousands who depend on HIV-related healthcare and services. The needs of persons living with HIV are best understood by those within the PLHIV community. HIV interventions must align with the realities of PLHIV, ensuring that their voices are at the heart of decision-making processes. Regardless of who is leading or implementing these interventions, they must be tailored to meet the diverse needs of PLHIVs across Ghana. As PLHIV, we live with the virus, and the virus lives with us. Our experiences with anti...
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Renaissance of Living with HIV: An Untold Story of Strength, Hope, and the Rights Path to 95-95-95 and 10-10-10

 By Editorial Team - NAP+ Ghana The story of living with HIV is one of resilience and transformation—a rebirth of identity and purpose. In Ghana, amidst challenges and misconceptions, the lives of Persons Living with HIV (PLHIV) embody a powerful renaissance: a renewal of hope, dignity, and a commitment to contribute meaningfully to society while advocating for their rights. As the global community strives to meet the UNAIDS 95-95-95 and 10-10-10 targets by 2030, Ghana’s journey highlights how overcoming self-stigma and fostering inclusivity can unlock the potential of individuals living with HIV. Here are the untold stories of community members reclaiming their narratives and inspiring change. Ama, the Nurse Ama, a 35-year-old nurse, was diagnosed with HIV during a routine antenatal care visit. She recalls, "At first, I was broken. I feared judgment from my colleagues and patients. But my turning point came when I met a support group. Their stories gave me the courage to start my...
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World AIDS Day 2024 – Take the Rights Path

By Richard Agodzo As we commemorate World AIDS Day 2024, it is essential to reflect on this year’s theme: Take the Rights Path. This theme resonates deeply with Ghana’s ongoing HIV response, especially as we face critical challenges that threaten the health and rights of people living with HIV (PLHIV), including children born to HIV-positive mothers. Access to quality healthcare is not just a need; it is a right. For many Ghanaians living with HIV, this right is increasingly under threat due to persistent shortages of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs. These medications are a lifeline, preventing the virus from replicating, keeping immune systems strong, and enabling people to live healthy, fulfilling lives. However, recent stock shortages have endangered the progress we’ve made, putting PLHIV, particularly exposed infants, at significant risk. The Rights of PLHIV and the ARV Crisis The World Health Organization and UNAIDS have long emphasized that universal access to treatment is a cornersto...
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Collective Action for HIV Progress in Ghana: Addressing Delays and the Need for Community-Led Responses

By Richard Agodzo As we approach World AIDS Day 2024, the theme, Collective Action: Sustain and Accelerate HIV Progress , is a timely call for nations, stakeholders, and communities to re-energize efforts to fight the epidemic. In Ghana, while notable strides have been made, particularly in access to testing and treatment, there remain critical challenges hindering the country’s ability to fully achieve its HIV response goals. One of the most pressing issues is the government’s recurrent delays in clearing life-saving HIV medication donated by the Global Fund. Alongside this, the persistent failure to meaningfully involve communities in leading the response remains a major barrier to progress. The Medication Crisis: A Government-Induced Setback Over the years, Ghana’s HIV program has benefited immensely from the support of international partners like the Global Fund. The provision of antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) by such organizations has been crucial in sustaining treatment for people l...
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HIV and Suicide – A Journey of Hope Amidst Despair

By Akwasi Mensah My name is Akwasi Mensah, and I live with HIV. The day I found out about my status, my world fell apart. Fear, shame, and overwhelming despair crashed over me, and in that moment, I planned my suicide. I couldn’t see beyond the stigma attached to HIV, and I felt trapped in a reality I didn’t choose. The loneliness that followed seemed unbearable, and the idea of facing a life filled with judgment, rejection, and constant reminders of my status was too much to bear. For many people living with HIV, thoughts of suicide are not uncommon. The shock of diagnosis, coupled with societal stigma and the feeling that life as we knew it is over, often leads to an emotional spiral. But I stand here today as proof that even in the darkest of moments, life goes on. My diagnosis didn’t mark the end of my life; it marked the beginning of a journey toward resilience, acceptance, and hope. The road has not been easy, but I realized that my life, even with HIV, has value. I learned that ...
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Engaging Youth in Ghana’s HIV Response: The Untapped Power of Digital Tools

By Richard Agodzo In Ghana, the fight against HIV has been ongoing for decades. Despite significant strides made in raising awareness, providing treatment, and improving care, we still face a critical gap: the lack of meaningful youth engagement in the policy-making process. The reality is, the future of Ghana’s HIV response depends on the very people who will shape that future—the youth. Yet, they remain largely marginalized in decision-making, despite being the most adept at using the technological tools that could revolutionize our approach. The Untapped Resource: Youth in the Digital Age The youth of Ghana are tech-savvy, dynamic, and well-positioned to lead a new era of HIV education, prevention, treatment, and care. With the rise of social media, smartphones, and mobile applications, digital tools offer immense potential in reaching out to young people, especially those living with HIV. These platforms can serve as safe spaces for education, emotional support, and even telemedici...
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