The Federation of Ghana Medical Students’ Association (FGMSA) launched its annual Health Week campaign on April 13 in Accra aimed at tackling the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS.
With the theme “Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), Reducing the Stigma, Protecting the People, The Role of Everyone,” the campaign, among others, aims to raise awareness about crucial health issues affecting communities, particularly focusing on HIV/AIDS and its associated stigma.
HIV/AIDS remains a significant public health concern globally, with Ghana facing its own challenges in combating the disease and addressing the social stigma attached to it. Despite advancements in treatment and prevention, stigma and discrimination against individuals living with HIV/AIDS continue to persist, hindering efforts to effectively control the spread of the virus and provide adequate support to those affected.
By involving medical students, healthcare professionals, and the wider community, the FGMSA campaign aims to foster a supportive environment where individuals affected by HIV/AIDS feel empowered to seek testing, treatment, and support services without fear of judgment or discrimination.
Speaking at the launch, Director of Family Health Division of the Ghana Health Service, Dr. Marion Okoh-Owusu noted that although there are several STIs, society reacts to them differently based on the information available on them, particularly in the media.
“We see stigma because sometimes people do not understand what is happening to the individual. And even if they understand, they do not know what to do about it,” she said.
She bemoaned fear-based education on STIs and called for a holistic approach to dealing with the menace of stigma.
For her part, 2023 Miss Malaika winner, Nana Yaa Nsarko emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in combating HIV/AIDS stigma and its detrimental effects on public health.
The World Health Organization (WHO) HIV has claimed an estimated 40.4 million lives since the beginning of the epidemic, with ongoing transmission occurring in all countries. Alarmingly, some regions are experiencing a resurgence in new infections, reversing previous declines and underscoring the need for sustained prevention efforts.
At the end of 2022, an estimated 39.0 million people were living with HIV globally, with the WHO African Region bearing the greatest burden, accounting for two-thirds of all cases. This disparity highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions and resources in heavily affected areas to curb transmission and improve access to treatment and care.
In 2022, 630,000 people lost their lives to HIV-related causes, while 1.3 million individuals acquired HIV infection. These statistics underscore the continued importance of prevention, early diagnosis, and effective treatment in saving lives and reducing transmission rates.
Despite the absence of a cure for HIV, significant progress has been made in managing the disease as a chronic health condition. Access to HIV prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and care has enabled many individuals living with HIV to lead long and healthy lives. However, disparities in access to these services persist, particularly in underserved communities and regions.
Global HIV strategies outlined by WHO, the Global Fund, and UNAIDS align with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target 3.3 of ending the HIV epidemic by 2030. Key targets include ensuring that 95% of all people living with HIV know their status, are receiving lifesaving antiretroviral treatment (ART), and achieve suppressed viral loads.
While progress has been made towards these targets, there is still work to be done. In 2022, percentages fell slightly short of the 95% target, with 86% of people living with HIV aware of their status, 89% receiving ART, and 93% achieving suppressed viral loads. These figures underscore the need for continued investment, innovation, and collaboration to accelerate progress towards ending the HIV epidemic by 2030.
The fight against HIV/AIDS remains a global priority, requiring sustained commitment and action from governments, organizations, healthcare providers, and communities worldwide. By redoubling efforts to expand access to prevention, testing, treatment, and care services, the international community can work towards achieving the goal of an AIDS-free generation by the end of the decade.
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