By: Rachel Kakraba
The Acting Director General Ghana AIDS Commission, Dr. Kharmacelle Prosper Akanbong, has described Christmas as an opportunity for all Ghanaians to show friendship and support to persons living with HIV. He said the festivities must be a season to break stigma and discrimination barriers with compassion. In a Christmas message, Dr. Akanbong, noted that the festive season comes with increased social gatherings and interactions and urged all to adopt the ABC of prevention such as Abstinence, Being Faithful to a partner, and Condom use if sexually active.
“This festivities comes with a lot celebration and we want to admonish that if you can’t abstain, or be faithful to your partner use a condom”
He reminded all to ensure that the celebrations do not lead to new infections, encouraging people who may have been exposed to seek prompt intervention.
“If for any reason you have been exposed contact the nearest Ghana AIDS Commission office. They will link you to treatment which you can take for a short time to prevent you from getting, HIV, which we call Post-Exposure Prophylaxis”
“There is also the opportunity to take an HIV test with family and friends at a health care facility, or use an HIV self-test kit if you prefer, he added.
Dr. Akanbong, encouraged Persons Living with HIV not to interrupt their antiretroviral therapy during the festive season, stressing that consistent medication is critical to maintaining their health.
“To our brothers and sisters living with HIV, remember that your Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) is your lifeline. Do not let the festivities interrupt your medication schedule”
Dr. Akanbong noted that the epidemic is on the rise and reaffirmed the Ghana AIDS Commission’s commitment to spearhead efforts to secure medicines and innovative technologies for an effective national response going into the New Year.
