HIV is not a death sentence – GAC pushes stigma reset

Tamale, March 28, – The Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC) has intensified calls for a shift in public attitudes towards HIV, stressing that the condition is now manageable and no longer fatal with proper treatment.

Dr Prosper Kharmacelle Akanbong, Director-General of the Commission, said advancements in medical care over the past 40 years had significantly improved the quality of life of persons living with HIV.

He made the call during a Human Rights Training Workshop on HIV and Tuberculosis (TB) in Tamale.

The workshop, organised in partnership with the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), with support from UNAIDS and the Global Fund, forms part of a nationwide effort to address stigma, discrimination and rights-based issues surrounding HIV and TB.

Dr Akanbong noted that despite progress in treatment, stigma remained deeply entrenched in many communities, discouraging people from testing and seeking care.

He explained that individuals diagnosed with HIV often faced social exclusion, which could lead to self-isolation and delay in accessing treatment, thereby increasing the risk of further transmission.

He also raised concerns about workplace discrimination, where some persons living with HIV were denied career advancement opportunities despite being medically fit.

He emphasised that such practices violated existing laws and undermined national efforts to control the disease.

Mrs Mercy Larbi, Deputy Commissioner of CHRAJ, described HIV and TB as both health and human rights issues, noting that stigma and breaches of confidentiality continued to hinder effective response efforts.

She highlighted CHRAJ’s reporting system as a tool to support victims of discrimination to seek justice.

Mr Abu Sulemana, who has lived with HIV for nearly 24 years, encouraged people to test regularly and adhere strictly to treatment.

He said living positively with HIV was possible, urging the public to abandon fear and misinformation about the condition.

Participants called for sustained public education and stronger enforcement of laws to eliminate stigma and ensure equal opportunities for persons living with HIV.

GHBUSS

28 March 2026