During the 15th National HIV and AIDS Partnership Forum, the AIDS Commission (GAC) called for an end to discrimination against people living with HIV (PLWHIV) in employment and school admission, describing the practice as shameful and regrettable. The commission’s Director General, Dr Kharmacelle Prosper Akanbong, urged that HIV is not a disability that should prevent people from working in any environment.
Mr Essamuah, speaking at the forum, said stigmatisation and discrimination had no place in a nation that prided itself on compassion and dignity. He added that ending such practices was a responsibility shared by all.
The forum, held on the 40th anniversary of Ghana’s HIV response, brought together communities, development partners, faith‑based organisations, academia and the Society for AIDS in Africa. It aimed to review progress, report on past agreements and set priority actions for the coming year.
Mr Essamuah highlighted the transformation over four decades, noting that PLWHIV now access life‑saving treatment, raise families, build careers and contribute to national development. He credited political will, the courage of PLWHIV, health workers, communities and international partners for this progress.
Dr Akanbong outlined achievements since the 14th forum, including a youth desk, a National HIV and TB Human Rights Strategic Plan 2026‑2030, new interventions for people who use drugs and a community‑level data system integrated into routine health information systems. He warned that progress on local production of HIV commodities and government funding remains slow and will be priorities for the next year.
He also noted a worrisome rise in new infections among the 15‑24 age group, which now accounts for about 30% of new cases, calling for specific actions to address this trend.
The United Nations Resident Coordinator, Zia Choudhury, affirmed the UN’s firm partnership with Ghana to maintain sovereignty over healthcare financing. Dr Alhaji Abubakari Wayo, Chief Director of the Office of the President, reminded that no government, institution or partner can end HIV and AIDS in isolation.
Other speakers included Dr Emmanuel Teviu, Programme Manager of the National AIDS and STIs Control Programme; Luc Armand Bodea, ICASA Director and SAA Coordinator; and Torgbe Paul Alossode, President of NAP+ Ghana. The forum concluded with a call for continued collaboration to sustain the future of HIV response in Ghana.
