End stigma, embrace HIV treatment – Rev Azumah
Story: Isaac AIDOO, Accra
Long-time survivor and ambassador for HIV awareness, Rev. John Azumah is calling on Ghanaians to end stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV and to embrace measures that prevent the virus from spreading.
This appeal comes as Ghana Health Service’s National HIV and AIDS Control Programme recently reported over 34,000 new HIV infections in 2024 from January to September, with the country possibly reaching 40,000 new cases by year-end.
Speaking at a health communication seminar for final-year students at the African University College of Communications (AUCC) in Accra, Rev. Azumah, who has lived with HIV for 24 years, emphasized that societal stigma remains a greater challenge than the virus itself. He highlighted that HIV-positive individuals often face isolation, which can be even more detrimental to their well-being than the illness. He refuted stereotypes that link HIV to promiscuity, noting that the virus can be contracted through various means. “If a child or someone who acquired HIV through other means is positive, are they promiscuous?” he questioned, challenging society to reconsider these biases.
Rev. Azumah stressed the importance of support and compassion, urging HIV-positive individuals to start antiretroviral therapy (ART), which can enable them to lead healthy lives and prevent further transmission. “When HIV patients adhere to their medication, they reach a stage where the virus becomes undetectable and untransmittable,” he explained, adding that this milestone, called “U=U” (undetectable equals untransmittable), protects both individuals and the broader community.
Encouragingly, he also urged pregnant women to get tested so that, if positive, they can receive treatment to prevent mother-to-child transmission. “With the right care, we can work toward a future with no new infections,” he emphasized.
Rev. Azumah also addressed the need for increased public awareness campaigns from policymakers, particularly targeting youth to promote safe practices like consistent condom use. He noted that the escalating infection rate is a pressing issue for Ghana, warning, “If every year we’re seeing such high numbers, it’s not good news for the country. Policymakers must act now to curb this trend through educational initiatives.”
Additionally, Rev. Azumah called on healthcare workers to lead in correcting misconceptions, emphasizing that HIV cannot be transmitted through casual contact, like touching or sharing meals. “Health professionals should dispel myths and educate people that HIV-positive individuals can have healthy relationships and families,” he said. He highlighted that with ART, HIV-positive individuals can marry HIV-negative partners and raise HIV-free children. Rev. Azumah’s advocacy comes at a crucial time as Ghana faces rising HIV cases. His message of acceptance, compassion, and proactive treatment aligns with the urgent need for both individual and collective action to combat the epidemic and support those affected.
