225 Views Posted on 29-Apr-2011

Foundation holds HIV stigma reduction campaign in Akim Oda
Mr Gilbert Kofi Germain, Executive Director of the Young and Lonely Foundation, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) has noted that stigma and discrimination was killing People Living with HIV (PLHIVs).
Speaking to the Ghana News Agency at Akim Oda in the Birim Central Municipality, Mr Germain explained that stigma was one of the biggest concerns in the prevention, treatment, care and support of PLHIVs.
The Executive Director noted that HIV and AIDS was no longer a "death trap", since it could be treated but could not be cured.
He stressed that the foundation, in its small efforts was putting up the fight against stigma and discrimination by liaising with medical centres to help improve access to treatment, care and support.
Mr Germain said HIV could affect every one irrespective of his or nationality, hence the need to put in place prudent measures to help reduce stigma and discrimination against PLHIVs.
He called on the citizenry to display love, compassion and understanding towards "our brothers and sisters with PLHIVs".
The Agona Swedru-based Foundation is expected to extend the stigmatisation and discrimination against PLHIVs programme to the Birim South, Kwaebibrim, Akyemmansa and Asikuma-Odobeng-Brakwa Districts. It has already covered the Birim Central and West Akim Municipalities.
The activities include a quiz programme, debates, football gala and video on stigmatisation and discrimination against people with HIV and AIDS.
Story By Dennis Dankyi