President of Ghana HIV and AIDS Network, Ernest Amoabeng Ortsin, has underscored the need for stakeholders to intensify campaigns, advocacy and education towards reducing new infections in the country.
He stated that the rate of new infections has doubled in the last year and that stakeholders must work harder to raise awareness in order to reduce the risks.
”We ought to intensify campaigns, advocacy, education, and prevention strategies to help reduce the rate of new infections,” he said on Rainbow Radio 87.5Fm’s Frontline.
When the figures for new infections released last year are examined, they show that the figures continue to rise. Every year, we record 18,000 new infections. However, for the first time last year, the figure surpassed 30,000. We surpassed 30,000. That was unprecedented. We must implement measures to address the risks.”
He was speaking to host Kwabema Agyapong today, July 7, 2023.
”The new figures are concerning, which is why we are emphasising the importance of intensifying campaigns. We are also grateful that Rainbow Radio has given us the opportunity to educate people about the importance of exercising caution.”
Meanwhile, he has lamented how difficult it has been to fight the stigma war.
Despite assurances and public education, he said, stigma was a major issue.
”The stigma is high because our society is religious, and some believe God sent the disease to punish people for being promiscuous. But we are still educating people to make them understand that this was not the case.”
He emphasised that the introduction of anti-retroviral drugs has allowed people living with HIV/AIDS to survive, which was not previously possible.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana