The Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC) has condemned the discrimination and stigmatisation of people living with HIV in workplaces, describing the practice as shameful and unacceptable.
Speaking on the issue, a representative of the Commission said HIV was not a disability that prevented people from working in any environment and urged employers to desist from treating people living with the virus unfairly.
He said discrimination and stigmatisation had no place in a country that upheld the values of compassion and human dignity, stressing that ending the practice was a collective responsibility.
AIDS Partnership Forum
He made the remarks at the 15th National HIV and AIDS Partnership Forum organised by the GAC.
The forum serves as the Commission’s principal platform for coordination and mutual accountability, bringing stakeholders together to assess progress towards national targets, review commitments made at previous meetings and agree on priority actions for the year ahead.
This year’s forum coincided with 40 years of Ghana’s response to HIV and AIDS and was held under the theme: “40 Years of HIV Response in Ghana: Celebrating Partnerships, Transforming Lives, Sustaining the Future.”
Participants included representatives of communities involved in the HIV response, development partners, faith-based organisations, academia and the Society for AIDS in Africa (SAA).
Reflecting on Ghana’s four-decade journey in combating HIV, the speaker said the disease was initially accompanied by widespread fear, silence and limited treatment options.
He, however, noted that the situation had significantly improved, with people living with HIV now able to access life-saving treatment, raise families, pursue careers and contribute meaningfully to national development.
“That transformation did not happen by chance. It is the result of political will, the courage of PLWHIV, the dedication of health workers and communities, and the solidarity of our international partners. It is a story that every Ghanaian can be proud of,” he said.
He observed that Ghana’s HIV response had historically depended heavily on financial support from the government and international development partners.
However, he said the sharp reduction in external support experienced last year had highlighted the need for greater national ownership and sustainable domestic financing of the response.
He stressed that sustaining the fight against HIV was no longer merely a technical issue but a matter of national sovereignty, leadership and responsibility.
GAC outlines progress and emerging challenges
The Director-General of the Ghana AIDS Commission, Dr Kharmacelle Prosper Akanbong, outlined some of the Commission’s achievements following the 14th National HIV and AIDS Partnership Forum.
These included the establishment of a youth desk at the Commission, the development and validation of the National HIV and TB Human Rights Strategic Plan 2026–2030, and the design of new interventions targeting people who use drugs.
He also highlighted the development of a community-level data system to serve as a repository for HIV-related information, which had been integrated into routine health information systems.
Despite the progress, Dr Akanbong identified challenges in advancing the local production of HIV commodities and securing increased government funding for the national HIV response.
He said both areas would remain priorities for the coming year.
Dr Akanbong further disclosed that although Ghana had recorded a decline in new HIV infections overall, infections among people aged 15 to 24 were increasing.
According to him, this age group accounted for approximately 30 per cent of new infections.
“This is very worrisome, and we need to take specific actions on that,” he said.
UN reaffirms support for Ghana’s HIV response
The United Nations Resident Coordinator, Zia Choudhury, reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to supporting Ghana’s efforts to achieve greater independence in financing its healthcare system.
She said the UN family remained a committed partner in Ghana’s quest to sustain its health programmes through stronger national ownership and domestic financing.
The Chief Director at the Office of the President, Dr Alhaji Abubakari Wayo, also reflected on Ghana’s 40-year HIV response and the contributions of successive governments.
He stressed that no government, institution or development partner could successfully end HIV and AIDS by working in isolation.
Paying tribute to people living with HIV and their networks, he acknowledged their courage, advocacy and personal experiences in shaping policies, challenging stigma and improving the national response.
He emphasised that affected communities must be actively involved in decision-making rather than treated merely as recipients of healthcare services.
Other speakers at the forum included the Programme Manager of the National AIDS and STIs Control Programme, Dr Emmanuel Teviu; ICASA Director and SAA Coordinator, Luc Armand Bodea; and the President of NAP+ Ghana, Torgbe Paul Alossode.
