Our Community Voice of Strength

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...

By Richard Agodzo Ghana’s fight against HIV faces a significant setback, as lifesaving drugs for HIV-exposed infants remain stranded at Tema Port since July 2024. Despite the critical importance of these medications, necessary for preventing the transmission of HIV from mothers to their infants, bureaucratic delays have resulted in a situation that puts hundreds of vulnerable children at risk. The urgency of this situation is highlighted by mothers living with HIV across various health facilities, who continue to face the frightening possibility of their infants becoming infected due to a lack of proper medication. Mothers across Ghana have expressed their frustration and heartbreak as they attempt to protect their children. Many are struggling to secure adequate medication, with some health facilities rationing or sharing the drugs. One mother from a health facility in Accra, visibly distressed, shared, “We are doing everything we can as mothers to keep our babies healthy. But how can...

PRESS RELEASE The Society for AIDS in Africa (SAA), a leading pan-African non-governmental organization and the organizers of the International Conference on AIDS and STIs in Africa (ICASA), issues this urgent statement following the declarations of monkeypox outbreaks as a Public Health Emergency by the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO). The SAA recognizes the gravity of the situation and expresses its full support for the swift actions taken by both the Africa CDC and WHO to address the growing threat posed by the monkeypox virus across the continent. The declaration of monkeypox as a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security by Africa CDC, and subsequently as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by WHO, underscores the urgent need for coordinated efforts to prevent further spread and mitigate the impact of the disease. As an organization dedicated to combating HIV/AIDS, other STIs and viral emer...

Ghana stands at a critical juncture in its fight against HIV. With the global goal of ending AIDS by 2030, our country faces significant challenges that threaten to derail progress. These challenges include the proliferation of fraudulent HIV cures, the marginalization of persons living with HIV (PLHIV) in the national response, and a lack of unity among civil society organizations (CSOs). It is crucial to address these issues head-on to achieve our goals and ensure the well-being of all Ghanaians. The Menace of Fraudulent HIV Cures One of the most pressing threats to Ghana’s HIV response is the widespread belief in and purchase of fraudulent HIV cures. These so-called cures come from various sources: unknown sellers peddling supposed miracle remedies, false prophets claiming divine healing powers, and herbalists promoting concoctions as definitive cures for HIV. These deceptive practices not only endanger the health of PLHIV by encouraging them to abandon proven antiretroviral treatme...

In recent years, disturbing reports have surfaced regarding the treatment of Africans seeking employment in Gulf countries, specifically those who test positive for HIV. Despite progress in global HIV awareness and treatment, individuals are being unjustly deported upon diagnosis, sparking international outcry and raising significant human rights concerns. This issue is not only a violation of basic human dignity but also a setback in the global fight against HIV/AIDS. Several Ghanaians have bravely shared their stories, shedding light on the harsh realities faced by many. These individuals, hopeful for opportunities in the Gulf, instead found themselves ostracized and forcibly sent back home solely due to their HIV status. Such discriminatory practices not only perpetuate stigma but also directly contradict international human rights norms that advocate for non-discrimination and equal treatment. The United Nations and various global health organizations have long been at the forefron...

As a concerned HIV advocate and a member of the Ghana Network of Persons living with HIV (NAP+ Ghana), I believe Ghana's bid to host the International Conference on AIDS and STIs in Africa (ICASA) 2025 is a pivotal moment for our nation. This event offers an unparalleled platform for us to address the prevailing challenges of new HIV infections, stigma and discrimination, and HIV misinformation. Hosting ICASA 2025 is not just about prestige; it is an opportunity to learn from other African countries, enhance our prevention interventions, and reduce stigma and discrimination. The Urgency of Addressing New HIV Infections Despite our efforts, Ghana continues to grapple with new HIV infections. Recent statistics reveal that certain regions and demographics, particularly youth and key populations such as men who have sex with men (MSM) and sex workers, are experiencing higher rates of infection. This underscores the need for targeted prevention strategies that can reach those most at ri...