GAC advocates dedicated funding for Human Rights Strategic Plan in HIV & TB Services
By Christabel Oboshie ANNAN & Zeenatu ABUBAKAR, Accra
The Ghana Aids Commission (GAC) has underscored the critical importance of dedicated funding for the successful implementation of its Human Rights Strategic Plan for HIV and TB services in Ghana.
Director of Policy and Planning at the GAC Rita Owusu-Amankwah, emphasized that the absence of specific funds allocated to the Human Rights Strategic Plan is impeding the full realization of its objectives.
The revelation was made during the third Annual Stakeholder Review Meeting on the implementation of the Human Rights Strategic Plan for HIV and TB (2020-2024) in Accra.
The strategic plan aims to eliminate human rights-related barriers associated with HIV and TB services, ultimately enhancing access to quality healthcare for those affected.
Madam Owusu-Amankwah, representing Director-General Dr. Kyeremeh Atuahene, expressed optimism about the progress made in implementing the plan but highlighted the need for dedicated funding to expedite Ghana’s progress toward meeting specific targets.
[She urged stakeholders to see the funding challenge as an opportunity for collaborative efforts, innovative funding mechanisms, and strengthened partnerships.
The Director of Policy and Planning called for a collective exploration of sustainable funding avenues to ensure the continued success of the Human Rights Strategic Plan.
She called on stakeholders to collaborate in formulating actionable strategies to address the funding challenge, laying the foundation for a resilient and sustainable future in the fight against HIV and TB.
Madam Owusu-Amankwah commended stakeholders for their unwavering commitment and emphasized their crucial role in the progress achieved.
She encouraged the public to support people living with HIV and urged every Ghanaian to check their HIV status.
Country Director for UNAIDS in Ghana Hector Sucilla Perez, stressed the need for a roadmap intertwining human rights and gender equality principles for sustainability in AIDS programs.
Perez highlighted the importance of upholding dignity and rights regardless of HIV status or gender.
He called for inclusivity and equality as fundamental elements of the sustainability roadmap, advocating for discussions grounded in transformative action to ensure equality and rights for all.
As World AIDS Day approaches, Perez illuminated the theme, ‘Let communities lead,’ emphasizing the empowerment of communities with information, knowledge, expertise, and resources to enhance their health and well-being.
Recognizing Ghana’s challenges in reaching critical targets, Perez called for intensified efforts and a collective commitment from key stakeholders to establish a legal and policy framework aimed at ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
Perez urged national stakeholders to collaborate closely in the shared mission to end AIDS and eliminate inequalities, recognizing the 350,000 individuals living with AIDS in Ghana.
He concluded by calling for empathy, solidarity, and a focus on transforming lives with dignity, compassion, and rights for all.
