The Okaikwei North Municipal Assembly has reaffirmed its commitment to combating HIV/AIDS as the world marked the 2025 World AIDS Day under the theme “Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response.”
Speaking during the commemoration ceremony, the Municipal Chief Executive, Honourable Christian Tetteh Badger, stressed the urgent need for intensified awareness and strengthened health systems to protect residents.
Hon. Badger announced that the Assembly will scale up HIV testing in schools, workplaces, churches, mosques, markets, and community centres to ensure that no one is left behind.
He added that the Municipality is strengthening its antiretroviral (ARV) supply chain and expanding mobile outreach services to support clients who miss appointments.
“Our Municipality will deepen collaboration with NGOs, civil society groups, faith-based organisations, traditional authorities, and the private sector to close service gaps and expand support,” he said.
The MCE highlighted encouraging progress, noting that although new infections were recorded within the past year, there has also been a significant increase in the number of people receiving life-saving antiretroviral therapy.
The Okaikwei North Municipal Assembly Chief Executive further commended the Ghana AIDS Commission for ongoing plans to install condom dispensing machines at strategic locations, especially during youth-focused events. This intervention follows a worrying decline in condom use among young people, despite Ghana recording 15,290 new HIV infections in 2024.
Hon. Badger concluded by urging the youth to embrace regular testing and champion responsible sexual behaviour. “Let us work toward a future where every resident of Okaikwei North can live in dignity, good health, and hope,” he said.
Addressing participants, Madam Khadijah Ali, the HIV Coordinator for the Okaikwei North Municipal Health Directorate, explained that HIV weakens the body’s immune system, leaving individuals vulnerable to various illnesses.
She emphasised that everyone regardless of age, class, or background is at risk.
Madam Ali also outlined the modes of transmission, including mother-to-child infection, and strongly advocated regular testing, noting that it is free.
She urged the public to avoid stigma and show empathy toward persons living with HIV, stressing that “it could be anyone.”
Participants at the event were screened to know their HIV status, and some also had their blood pressure and other health indicators checked.
Director Tabitha Ama Seglah, and HIV Focal Person at the Assembly, expressed optimism that the Municipality’s HIV prevalence rate would decline as intensified education, testing, and community engagement continue.
She called for sustained commitment from all stakeholders to build a healthier, more informed community.
Source:onma.gov.gh
By Jeffrey De-Graft Johnson, AD IIB
