Mr. Samuel Yao Atidzah, Executive Director of GOSANET Foundation, a health NGO operating in the Adaklu district, has called on Ghanaians to cease discriminating against People Living with HIV and AIDS (PLHIV).
Speaking to the Ghana News Agency on the occasion of “Zero Discrimination Day against HIV Patients,” Mr Atidzah emphasized the critical importance of ending discrimination to minimize the spread of the disease. This day, observed annually on March 1st, was instituted by the Ghana Aids Commission to raise awareness about the dangers of discriminating against PLHIV.
Mr. Atidzah highlighted the detrimental effects of stigma and discrimination on PLHIV, noting that such actions often led individuals to conceal their HIV status out of fear. He stressed that stigma and discrimination can be more harmful than the disease itself, as they contribute to social isolation and hinder individuals from accessing necessary medical care.
Due to discrimination, PLHIV may withdraw from public life, neglecting essential medical treatments and putting both their own lives and society at risk, Mr Atidzah added.
The Executive Director emphasized that PLHIV are deserving of respect and love, emphasizing that they are no different from anyone else and should not face discrimination based on their health status.
As Ghana continues its efforts to combat HIV/AIDS, Mr Atidzah's call to end discrimination underscores the need for collective action to create a supportive and inclusive environment for all individuals, regardless of their HIV status.
