World AIDS Day observed in the Bodi District
End stigma against HIV/AIDS patients to boost fight against virus – Richard Nkrumah
The HIV/AIDS Focal person in the Bodi District of the Western North Region has emphasized the need to halt stigma against HIV/AIDS patients, stressing that high stigmatization hinders efforts to reduce the virus’s spread.
According to him, fear of stigma prevents many from testing for the virus, leading to unknowing transmission.
In an interview with Akwaaba Fm Morning show host Nana korankye Apomuden during this year's World AIDS Day, Mr. Nkrumah highlighted the importance of embracing HIV patients, dispelling fears that interacting with them will lead to infection.
He encouraged the public to support and accept individuals living with HIV/AIDS, emphasizing that social interaction, eating, and speaking with them will not transmit the virus.
“By ending stigma, the Commission hopes to increase testing, treatment, and support for those affected, ultimately reducing the virus’s spread in Ghana”, she said
Although the disease is not a death sentence, ignorance, fear and the lack of knowledge among others has seen people living with the disease suffer stigma, discrimination and other human rights abuses meted out to them.
Ghana AIDS Commission has expressed worry about continued stigma, discrimination and human rights abuses which persons living with HIV suffer from in Ghanaian society. According to the Commission the trend which is entrenched in communities pushes many Persons who live with the disease into hiding thereby not accessing the much-needed healthcare.
Communities they visited today includes, Bodi township, Suiano, Afere, Datano, Manhyia, patakro, besease, Amoaya and Kwesikrom, where they educate the public on the disease and shared Condoms.
World AIDS Day, designated on 1 December every year since 1988, is an international day dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection and mourning those who have died of the disease. But Bodi District has chosen to celebrate it on 27th November, 2025 to get all the people involved.
