Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson
The Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, has expressed concern about the rising prevalence of HIV/AIDS in the country, despite significant efforts made to stop the spread of the pandemic and possibly eradicate it.
He stated that the pandemic has affected many people and must be addressed seriously, calling it “a matter of great concern.”
According to the Minister, Ghana had made significant strides following a long-standing campaign to combat HIV/AIDS. “This country suffered for many years with the campaign to deal with HIV/AIDS,” he remarked.
Addressing a team led by Dr. Kharmacelle Prosper Akanbong, Acting Director-General of the Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC), the Minister urged the commission to intensify its efforts against the pandemic, acknowledging the dangers associated with the deadly virus.
Although Ghana has made notable progress, it appears that stakeholders have become complacent, which is causing the nation’s AIDS campaign to lose momentum.
The Minister emphasized the importance of staying focused. “We need to keep our focus,” he admonished.
He noted that the alarming statistics regarding the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in the Western Region are particularly concerning, stating, “Specific to the Western Region, it is scary.”
“All stakeholders must be brought on board to retrace the right steps for us to make meaningful progress,” he added.
Consequently, Joseph Nelson praised the Director-General for leveraging his network to make significant strides since his appointment, saying, “Your presence here will do a lot.”
He called on health workers and all key stakeholders involved in fighting the pandemic to bring about positive change. “Bring in some positive change,” he urged.
He also called for a concerted effort to improve the operational tactics of those leading the campaign. “How we are able to partner and work together is also very important. I am going to be available to support you.”
The Minister expressed optimism that the impact of collaboration would be evident by next year, and he hopes to change the narrative moving forward. “I am going to do everything I can to get the MMDCEs to understand where we are and what we must do. That commitment to improve performance should come from the MMDCEs,” he emphasized.
For his part, the Minister affirmed that he would continue to support the commission to achieve results.
Dr. Kharmacelle Prosper Akanbong, Acting Director-General of the Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC), who led the delegation to the Western Regional Coordinating Council (WRCC), expressed satisfaction with the warm reception.
Updating the Minister on the current prevalence rate of HIV/AIDS, the Director-General stated that the response to HIV/AIDS in the country is very important to stakeholders.
He emphasized that the mandate of the AIDS Commission is to coordinate the response, secure funding, and provide accurate data on prevalence.
The Director-General acknowledged that the commission has made significant strides over the years through its campaign but admitted that any lapse in focus could derail progress.
He appealed to the Minister to intervene and secure support for the focal persons working to combat the spread of AIDS in the region, which requires proper responses.
The Ghana AIDS Commission, he revealed, works with focal persons as part of its efforts to decentralize the campaign against AIDS across the country.
He mentioned that a lack of funds for focal persons is one of the visible challenges in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
He requested the Minister’s support in getting local assemblies to assist focal persons in their respective areas.
The national prevalence rate, he noted, currently stands at 1.53%, compared to 1.82% in the Western Region.
The Director-General stressed that, despite the substantial gains made, these achievements require attention and continued support.
He attributed the rising prevalence of HIV/AIDS in the region to the growing illegal mining (galamsey) activities, which are contributing to the spread of the virus.
He concluded by emphasizing the need for stronger collaboration to combat the root causes of the AIDS epidemic.
