The First Lady Mrs Lordina Mahama has called for the contributions of everybody for the nation to eradicate HIV and AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
She said more concerted and decisive efforts were required, and urged families to be open and honest in educating their children about health and sexuality.
Mrs Mahama made the call at an integrated medical outreach campaign held at the Sunyani Jubilee Park.
She called on teachers to also provide students with accurate and factual information about HIV and AIDS.
The Office of the first lady in collaboration with the Bono Regional Coordinating Council organised the outreach to promote early detection and prevention of HIV and AIDS.
It sought to strengthen access to integrated health services tailored to the needs of young people and mothers as well as raising awareness about healthy behaviours and preventive care.
Mrs Mahama urged traditional and religious leaders to use their enviable positions and influences to promote healthy and responsible behaviours in local communities too.
She expressed concern about stigmatisation and discrimination associated with HIV and AIDS, saying “Person living with the HIV are our brothers, sisters, mothers, and fathers and they deserve love and support, not judgment, fear, and rejection.”
Mrs Mahama said the nation ought to do more to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV and Hepatitis ‘B’ and called for collective approach in that regard, urging stakeholders to help sensitise pregnant women and their families the importance of early testing and accessing safe delivery services.She said: “Husbands, families, and community leaders must actively support women in attending antenatal and post-natal clinics and adhering to prescribed medications”.
“Together, we can eliminate mother-to-child transmission and ensure that every child is born free from infection, healthy and full of potential,” the First Lady stated.
Dr Kharmacelle Prosper Akanbong, the Director-General of the Ghana AIDS Commission, said despite significant progress, the nation continued to face challenges in HIV prevention and maternal health.
“New infections occur every year, particularly among adolescents and young women many of which are preventable” saying that proven strategies like consistent condom use remained the most effective methods not only to prevent HIV infections but other sexually transmitted infections.
He mentioned adolescent pregnancies as one of the most pressing public health and development issues, pointing out that “Too many girls still leave school early, marry young, or experience complications during childbirth.”
He said these outcomes affected not only their health and education but also their life prospects and those of their children.
