Hero Network, a non-governmental organization, has launched the Stigma and Discrimination Reduction Project to address stigma and discrimination related to HIV/AIDS in the Wa Municipality of the Upper West Region.
The project, supported by the West Africa Program to Combat AIDS and STI (WAPCAS)under the Global Fund GC7 project, aims to reduce barriers preventing people from seeking HIV testing, accessing medication, and disclosing their status due to fear of societal judgment.
Speaking at the project’s inception meeting, Mr. Benjamin Buabeng, Programs Manager of Hero Network, emphasized the urgent need to tackle stigma and discrimination, which he identified as key obstacles to Ghana’s progress in combating HIV/AIDS.
“Though Ghana, as a country, we are doing well in the fight against HIV, there's something that is holding us back. That is the stigma and discrimination,” he said.
He noted that stigma prevents people from getting tested, while discrimination deters those diagnosed from adhering to their medications, contributing to the progression of HIV to AIDS in some cases.
“People are discriminated upon in churches, in our groupings, in our various homes, in families, and because of that, people don't want to even know their status,” he observed.
Mr. Buabeng stressed the importance of community education, using multiple communication channels such as radio, social media, and traditional platforms, to change perceptions and dispel myths about HIV and AIDS.
“HIV is the virus, and then AIDS is the disease. So you can have the HIV virus, but if you take your medications as prescribed by the health officers, you will never graduate to AIDS,” he explained.
He highlighted the global goal of achieving “U=U” meaning “Undetectable equals untransmittable,” where undetectable viral loads prevent transmission, and stressed the need for Ghana to reach 95% testing, treatment, and medication adherence targets.
Mr Buabeng stressed the importance of stakeholder support and community involvement, noting that the project's sustainability cannot be guaranteed without local engagement.
The meeting brought together stakeholders, who are members of the Wa Municipal Health Committee, including health professionals, opinion leaders, traditional authorities, and media personnel, to strategize on reducing stigma and promoting inclusion in the affected communities.
Madam Alexandra Ayanful, Project Coordinator, outlined the detrimental effects of stigma and discrimination on individuals and communities, describing them as barriers to achieving the 95-95-95 global targets for HIV treatment and prevention.
She explained that stigma manifests in various forms, from negative attitudes and self-stigmatization to discriminatory practices in workplaces, schools, and even healthcare settings.
Citing real-life examples, Madam Ayanful highlighted how lack of awareness and misinformation fuel stigma and urged stakeholders to address harmful cultural norms and gender dynamics that perpetuate discrimination.
She emphasized the need for continuous feedback and monitoring to assess the project’s impact and make necessary adjustments to ensure its success.
She concluded by calling for collective efforts from all sectors to eliminate stigma and discrimination, which she described as critical to reducing new HIV infections and improving health outcomes.
The Stigma and Discrimination Reduction Project will also be implemented in the Nadowli-Kaleo District in the Upper West Region and will run until the end of 2026.