Ghana has commemorated this year’s World AIDS Day with a health walk and public rally aimed at deepening awareness about HIV prevention and promoting nationwide uptake of self-testing.
President of the Ghana HIV and AIDS Network (GHANET), Ernest Amoabeng Orstin, called on the public to prioritise consistent condom use and regular HIV self-testing as part of measures to curb rising infections.
The event, organised by GHANET in partnership with the Ghana AIDS Commission, the Ghana Health Service, and other civil society groups, formed part of national efforts to intensify the response to HIV/AIDS. This year’s activities focused strongly on expanding public knowledge of HIV Self-Testing (HIVST) and encouraging individuals to take proactive steps to protect themselves and others.
The health walk, which started at Ayi Mensah and ended at Peduase in Aburi, drew a large and diverse crowd. Participants later took part in an aerobics session led by fitness instructors to promote healthy living and physical wellbeing.
Carrying placards with bold messages, participants advocated an end to stigma and discrimination against persons living with HIV, while highlighting the importance of prevention, early testing, and timely treatment.
Addressing the gathering, GHANET President Ernest Amoabeng Orstin reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to achieving the global target of eliminating HIV and AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. He urged citizens to know their status, access treatment when needed, and support efforts to reduce stigma.
He also appealed for stronger government backing:
“I am pleading with the government to allocate funding to the national HIV fund, which is crucial for helping Ghana meet global targets to eliminate HIV and AIDS by 2030,” he said.
Director-General of the Ghana AIDS Commission, Dr. Kharmacelle Prosper Akanbong, underscored the national importance of the event, describing the walk as both symbolic and practical.
“The health walk is not just a physical exercise but a movement toward empowering Ghanaians with knowledge and resources to protect themselves and their communities,” he noted.
As Ghana marks World AIDS Day, stakeholders are urging the public to embrace HIV self-testing, practise safe sex, and reject stigma—stressing that collective action remains vital to reducing new infections and strengthening the national fight against HIV and AIDS.
By Nana Achiaa Aboagye